To Whom Do I Direct My Rage?
The CDC is complicit in the deaths of thousands of healthcare workers
When my husband was deployed as a marine in Iraq, he knew that he might not return alive. During wartime combat, there was the likelihood that his life might be sacrificed towards the greater good. He signed up for the opportunity to serve his country and possibly see “some action”. He was a grunt in the United States Marine Corps and he got what he signed up for. Fortunately, he was one of they lucky ones who returned. The effects of that deployment continue to be felt and impact our lives today. The risks were known and efforts were taken to mitigate them. He wore armor in combat situations, his weapon was well-maintained, and he was never without essential materials. America would simply not tolerate sending young people into battle wearing t-shirts and sneakers. The personnel charged with keeping our society healthy and functional must remain healthy or we’re all doomed.
The Centers for Disease Control has issued recommendations for the healthcare industry regarding the use of face masks during the COVID-19 crisis. As of March 7, they are allowing the substitution of hand sewn cloth face masks in place of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). The guidance is due to a shortage of PPE thanks to thousands of sick people, the quarentines around the world affecting output, and perhaps hoarding. Here’s the thing, a virus does not care about a mask shortage. Nurses, technicians, and other staff with patient contact expect and deserve adequate protection against known dangers. We could be doing much more for our techs, nurses, and doctors. Healthcare workers did not agree to be sacrificed to the greed of corporate interests.
What is the benefit of the CDC issued guidance? Coverage for hospitals. For example, Lawrence General Hospital was asked yesterday about whether the hospital needs more PPE and whether staff will be protected. The representative of LGH, sidestepped the question and assured the questioner that the hospital would be able to comply with CDC guidance and that all staff would be treated similarly. Except that’s not totally accurate. PPE is already running out at the hospital and the hospital is not sounding the alarm. Many organizations are willing to donate n-95 masks or PPE but the hospital has to acknowledge the shortage. Nurses cannot complain when they refuse to subject themselves to the virus because the CDC said it’s good enough. When a patient technician refuses to check vitals due to their own medical conditions, they are ignored because the CDC said when there’s an emergency, rules can be relaxed. The center in charge of controlling diseases knows that viruses do not follow human rules. So what is the benefit of relaxing standards? I can only think of the protection corporations receive for not providing basic necessities. So who is the person directly in charge of issuing this guidance? Who do I direct my anger and fear towards?
