What's Good?

Coronavirus Watch--The pandemic has not been managed well. Still, the curve is flattening, the death toll may be less than estimated (100 – 200K), and states have begun to reopen. I want to highlight some of the positives. Without commentary, the top 5 things that have gone right are … #5. Assembling a task force to provide scientific, policy, and economic advice. #4. Issuing national guidelines to slow the spread of coronavirus, including stay-at-home guidance which most states mandated. #3. Opening diagnostic testing beyond CDC and public health labs. #2. State coalitions to coordinate a regional approach to reopening economies amid White House posturing. #1. Dr. Anthony Fauci. C’mon, this guy is a national treasure and probably the only advisor who gives straight talk to America (and Trump). Now, a few honorable mentions: $25B in the last relief package to boost testing; Trump’s activation of the Defense Production Act, albeit underutilized (testing supplies & PPE); SBA funding for small business paycheck protection (although insufficient oversight, allowing the LA Lakers, Shake Shack, & others to siphon funds). It’s been a bumpy ride, but we’re getting there.

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