‘15 Days to Slow the Spread’: President Issues New Guidelines for All Americans to Follow
Along with guidelines from the president, a little advice from the great Fred Astaire
President Donald J. Trump, joined by Vice President Mike Pence and members of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, delivers remarks at a coronavirus update briefing Sunday, March 15, 2020, in the James S. Brady Press Briefing Room of the White House.
Love your neighbor? That means keeping your distance. At least for the time being, if we want to nip this Coronavirus pandemic in the bud.
President Donald Trump has announced four specific new guidelines for all Americans to follow for the next 15 days to “slow the spread” of the coronavirus:
“Work or engage in schooling from home whenever possible.”
“Avoid social gatherings in groups of more than 10 people.”
“Avoid eating or drinking at bars, restaurants and food courts — use drive-thru, pickup or delivery options.”
“Avoid discretionary travel, shopping trips and social visits.”
This comes in addition to the previously discussed recommendation to not visit nursing homes or retirement or long-term care facilities unless to provide critical assistance. And of course, PRACTICE GOOD HYGIENE!
Also, says White House Coronavirus response coordinator Dr. Deborah Birx, “if you are sick, no matter who you are, please stay home.”
Said President Trump, “If everyone makes these critical changes and sacrifices now, we will rally together as one nation and we will defeat the virus.”
A Quick Q&A on Today’s Presser
So how long will we be dealing with this virus?
Dr. Anthony Fauci says “the trajectory of the outbreak” could go until July. However, if Americans follow the new guidelines, the severity of the outbreak can be diminished.
What about rumors of a nationwide lockdown?
“At this point not nationwide,” said President Trump. “We may look at certain areas, certain hot spots.”
What about testing?
A million more Coronavirus tests will be available this week. But if you don’t have symptoms, and your doctor doesn’t recommend getting the test, “don’t get the test.”
What about the stock market?
“Best thing I can do for the stock market is we have to get through this crisis,” the president said. “… Once this virus is gone, I think you’re going to have stock market like nobody’s ever seen before.”
What about food and essentials?
Chill out. They’ll be there. Shortly after today’s press briefing, President Trump issued two tweets assuring Americans there’s no need to rush out to the stores and hoard goods.
Yesterday I spoke with the great American Grocers and Supply Chain Executives. We are confident that supply will continue to meet demand nationwide. These beacons of our community will remain open for you, no matter what. We are working hard to remove any barriers to that effort!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2020
I ask all Americans to band together and support your neighbors by not hoarding unnecessary amounts of food and essentials. TOGETHER we will stay STRONG and overcome this challenge!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) March 16, 2020
Two More Questions
Are the Italians still singing?
Yes.
.Amazing!
Every night since the #coronavirus outbreak Italians open their windows to sing together and raise their spirits amid the nationwide shutdown & quarantine.
Unity, Love & Inspirational!
God Bless you & We're praying for you all! 🇮🇹 pic.twitter.com/3Yhsz2VPJb
— JamieR {🎗} Army Girl (@Jamierodr14) March 16, 2020
Can we Americans sing too?
Always. And here’s an even better idea. During the Great Depression, the great Fred Astaire offered Americans an encouragement that sounds as right today as it did then. “There may be trouble ahead,” he sang, “But while there’s moonlight and music and love and romance. Let’s face the music and dance.”
We may not have restaurants and bars for a few weeks. But we do have moonlight. And music. And love. And romance. So as Fred told Ginger, “Let’s face the music and dance.”
