Former President Barack Obama argued that although social distancing was effective in combating the coronavirus, testing and monitoring needed to be implemented nationwide to have a major impact on the pandemic’s effects on the country.
“Social distancing bends the curve and relieves some pressure on our heroic medical professionals,” he tweeted Wednesday. “But in order to shift off current policies, the key will be a robust system of testing and monitoring — something we have yet to put in place nationwide.”
Social distancing bends the curve and relieves some pressure on our heroic medical professionals. But in order to shift off current policies, the key will be a robust system of testing and monitoring – something we have yet to put in place nationwide. https://t.co/evkTSrzReB
— Barack Obama (@BarackObama) April 8, 2020
The former president included a link to a New York Times article, which outlined speculation from public health experts on when and how the national economy will be reopened, in his warning. The article detailed four benchmarks for cities and states, including a state’s ability to test everyone with symptoms of the virus and monitor confirmed cases’ contacts. A “sustained” drop in cases for at least 14 days is also cited in the article.
Last month, Obama encouraged social distancing in numerous tweets, emphasizing the safety it would bring to everyone, especially “medical heroes.” He has consistently shared news coverage relating to the pandemic and staying safe.
“In the meantime, remember to check up by phone on elderly or vulnerable friends and neighbors who may need our help,” he tweeted March 18.
