From Katrina to Coronavirus, What Have We Learned?
There are striking – and troubling – similarities between the Hurricane Katrina disaster in 2005 and the COVID-19 disaster happening now
Leon McDougle, MD, MPH | an ecoWURD Feature
As I view the reaction to the novel coronavirus unfold in the United States, I’m reminded of lessons learned in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in 2005. Back then, there was a failure of infrastructure (levees) resulting in more harm to the public than initial damage caused by the landfall of the hurricane.
Let’s fast forward to 2019.
Just as the National Weather Service tracked the impending strike of Hurricane Katrina using satellite imagery, the National Intelligence Agency, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and World Health Organization (WHO) were tracking the impending strike of novel coronavirus on the United States and the world.
Hurricane Katrina revealed cracks in the levees and the novel coronavirus has uncovered cracks in our public health infrastructure and national emergency management system. Tragically, in both emergencies, inadequate national response, coordinated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), have been hallmarks.
Where is the Director of FEMA? Where is the Director of Homeland Security? What is the federal plan for response to local and state authorities being overwhelmed by novel coronavirus?
Read more here at ecoWURD …
powered by …