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‘Lives Were Lost’ as Warnings Went Unheeded, Whistle-Blower Tells House ‘Lives Were Lost’ as Warnings Went Unheeded, Whistle-Blower Tells House
(32 minutes later)
WASHINGTON — The whistle-blower who was ousted as the head of a federal medical research agency charged on Thursday that top Trump administration officials failed to heed his early warnings to stock up on masks and other supplies to combat the coronavirus, and that Americans died as a result.WASHINGTON — The whistle-blower who was ousted as the head of a federal medical research agency charged on Thursday that top Trump administration officials failed to heed his early warnings to stock up on masks and other supplies to combat the coronavirus, and that Americans died as a result.
“Lives were endangered, and I believe lives were lost,” Dr. Rick Bright, who was removed in April as the director of the Department of Health and Human Services’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, told a House subcommittee as he warned, “The window is closing to address this pandemic.”“Lives were endangered, and I believe lives were lost,” Dr. Rick Bright, who was removed in April as the director of the Department of Health and Human Services’s Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, told a House subcommittee as he warned, “The window is closing to address this pandemic.”
Over nearly four hours of testimony, Dr. Bright told lawmakers that the outbreak would “get worse and be prolonged” if the United States did not swiftly develop a national testing strategy. He also predicted vaccine shortages if the administration did not draft a distribution plan now.Over nearly four hours of testimony, Dr. Bright told lawmakers that the outbreak would “get worse and be prolonged” if the United States did not swiftly develop a national testing strategy. He also predicted vaccine shortages if the administration did not draft a distribution plan now.
After holding back for nearly a month, President Trump; his health secretary, Alex M. Azar II; and his trade adviser, Peter Navarro, all hit back at Dr. Bright, in a three-pronged assault that elevated the confrontation. Mr. Trump dismissed Dr. Bright as a “disgruntled employee” and Mr. Navarro, whom Mr. Bright considered an ally in the White House, called him a “deserter in the war on the China virus.” Mr. Azar insisted officials followed through on the scientist’s ideas.After holding back for nearly a month, President Trump; his health secretary, Alex M. Azar II; and his trade adviser, Peter Navarro, all hit back at Dr. Bright, in a three-pronged assault that elevated the confrontation. Mr. Trump dismissed Dr. Bright as a “disgruntled employee” and Mr. Navarro, whom Mr. Bright considered an ally in the White House, called him a “deserter in the war on the China virus.” Mr. Azar insisted officials followed through on the scientist’s ideas.
“Everything he was complaining about was achieved,” Mr. Azar told reporters as he and Mr. Trump were preparing to board the presidential helicopter to leave for Allentown, Pa. “What he talked about was done. He said he talked about the need for respirators. We procured respirators at the president’s direction. He said we need a Manhattan Project on a vaccine. We had a Manhattan Project.”“Everything he was complaining about was achieved,” Mr. Azar told reporters as he and Mr. Trump were preparing to board the presidential helicopter to leave for Allentown, Pa. “What he talked about was done. He said he talked about the need for respirators. We procured respirators at the president’s direction. He said we need a Manhattan Project on a vaccine. We had a Manhattan Project.”
“This is like someone who was in choir trying to say he was a soloist back then,” Mr. Azar continued, adding: “His allegations do not hold water. They do not hold water.”“This is like someone who was in choir trying to say he was a soloist back then,” Mr. Azar continued, adding: “His allegations do not hold water. They do not hold water.”
The president joined in. “I don’t know him,” Mr. Trump said. “I never met him. I don’t want to meet him but I watched him, and he looks like an angry, disgruntled employee who, frankly, according to some people, didn’t do a very good job.”The president joined in. “I don’t know him,” Mr. Trump said. “I never met him. I don’t want to meet him but I watched him, and he looks like an angry, disgruntled employee who, frankly, according to some people, didn’t do a very good job.”
Dr. Bright’s testimony was the first time a federal scientist — or any federal official — had gone before Congress and openly accused the administration of endangering American lives by bungling its coronavirus response. He said Americans would face “the darkest winter in modern history” if the administration did not move quickly, as people become “restless” to leave their homes.Dr. Bright’s testimony was the first time a federal scientist — or any federal official — had gone before Congress and openly accused the administration of endangering American lives by bungling its coronavirus response. He said Americans would face “the darkest winter in modern history” if the administration did not move quickly, as people become “restless” to leave their homes.
That came two days after Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, contradicted Mr. Trump by warning of “needless suffering and death” if states reopened too quickly, amounting to a one-two punch for the administration.That came two days after Dr. Anthony S. Fauci, the government’s top infectious disease expert, contradicted Mr. Trump by warning of “needless suffering and death” if states reopened too quickly, amounting to a one-two punch for the administration.
Mr. Azar and Dr. Bright’s immediate supervisor at the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert Kadlec, declined invitations to testify, as did Mr. Navarro. Representative Anna G. Eshoo, Democrat of California, who led the hearing, said later in an interview that she did not intend to subpoena them.Mr. Azar and Dr. Bright’s immediate supervisor at the Department of Health and Human Services, Robert Kadlec, declined invitations to testify, as did Mr. Navarro. Representative Anna G. Eshoo, Democrat of California, who led the hearing, said later in an interview that she did not intend to subpoena them.
“I don’t want to go down any legal rabbit holes,” Ms. Eshoo said, adding that she found Dr. Bright’s testimony “quite chilling.”“I don’t want to go down any legal rabbit holes,” Ms. Eshoo said, adding that she found Dr. Bright’s testimony “quite chilling.”
In an 89-page complaint filed with the Office of Special Counsel this month, Dr. Bright said he was reassigned to a narrower job at the National Institutes of Health as retaliation for his objections to the widespread distribution of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, malaria drugs that Mr. Trump was promoting as a treatment for Covid-19. He accused top officials of “cronyism” in awarding contracts — a charge health and human services has strongly denied.In an 89-page complaint filed with the Office of Special Counsel this month, Dr. Bright said he was reassigned to a narrower job at the National Institutes of Health as retaliation for his objections to the widespread distribution of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine, malaria drugs that Mr. Trump was promoting as a treatment for Covid-19. He accused top officials of “cronyism” in awarding contracts — a charge health and human services has strongly denied.
On Thursday, shortly before Dr. Bright took the witness stand, his lawyers disclosed that the Office of Special Counsel, which is investigating Dr. Bright’s complaint, had made a preliminary determination of a “substantial likelihood of wrongdoing” regarding the cronyism allegation and had asked Mr. Azar to investigate.On Thursday, shortly before Dr. Bright took the witness stand, his lawyers disclosed that the Office of Special Counsel, which is investigating Dr. Bright’s complaint, had made a preliminary determination of a “substantial likelihood of wrongdoing” regarding the cronyism allegation and had asked Mr. Azar to investigate.
Last week, the special counsel found “reasonable grounds” that Dr. Bright had been retaliated against and requested that Mr. Azar reinstate him at the research agency for 45 days while the office investigated. Health and human services officials have not replied to either request, said Debra S. Katz, a lawyer for Dr. Bright.Last week, the special counsel found “reasonable grounds” that Dr. Bright had been retaliated against and requested that Mr. Azar reinstate him at the research agency for 45 days while the office investigated. Health and human services officials have not replied to either request, said Debra S. Katz, a lawyer for Dr. Bright.
But Mr. Azar suggested that Dr. Bright was being derelict in his refusal, so far, to take his new assignment at the National Institutes of Health — a sentiment Mr. Navarro echoed in a brief interview on Thursday night. Health and human services officials initially said Dr. Bright would lead a new “shark tank”-type effort to develop coronavirus therapeutics, but Mr. Azar said he was supposed to be helping with a crash effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine, called Operation Warp Speed.But Mr. Azar suggested that Dr. Bright was being derelict in his refusal, so far, to take his new assignment at the National Institutes of Health — a sentiment Mr. Navarro echoed in a brief interview on Thursday night. Health and human services officials initially said Dr. Bright would lead a new “shark tank”-type effort to develop coronavirus therapeutics, but Mr. Azar said he was supposed to be helping with a crash effort to develop a coronavirus vaccine, called Operation Warp Speed.
“Oh, and by the way, whose job was it to actually lead the development of a vaccine? Dr. Bright’s,” a visibly angry Mr. Azar said. “So while we are launching Operation Warp Speed, he’s not showing up for work.”“Oh, and by the way, whose job was it to actually lead the development of a vaccine? Dr. Bright’s,” a visibly angry Mr. Azar said. “So while we are launching Operation Warp Speed, he’s not showing up for work.”
Representative Markwayne Mullin, Republican of Oklahoma, echoed Mr. Azar. He hit Dr. Bright for taking a medical leave for hypertension as his complaint went public, then taking vacation time to rest, but having the strength to show for a hearing on Capitol Hill. The congressman noted that Dr. Bright’s job paid $285,000 a year.Representative Markwayne Mullin, Republican of Oklahoma, echoed Mr. Azar. He hit Dr. Bright for taking a medical leave for hypertension as his complaint went public, then taking vacation time to rest, but having the strength to show for a hearing on Capitol Hill. The congressman noted that Dr. Bright’s job paid $285,000 a year.
“You’re too sick to come into work, but you’re well enough to come here?” Mr. Mullin said.“You’re too sick to come into work, but you’re well enough to come here?” Mr. Mullin said.
Dr. Bright told lawmakers he was testifying in his “personal capacity” and not as a government employee. He was calm and measured throughout, pushing back on Republicans who, at various points, also complained he had not shown up for his National Institutes of Health job and suggested he should have brought his concerns to an inspector general (he said he did) instead of putting them in a whistle-blower complaint.Dr. Bright told lawmakers he was testifying in his “personal capacity” and not as a government employee. He was calm and measured throughout, pushing back on Republicans who, at various points, also complained he had not shown up for his National Institutes of Health job and suggested he should have brought his concerns to an inspector general (he said he did) instead of putting them in a whistle-blower complaint.
Representative Susan W. Brooks, Republican of Indiana, reminded Dr. Bright that the Trump administration had engaged in pandemic planning, and that he was a part of it.Representative Susan W. Brooks, Republican of Indiana, reminded Dr. Bright that the Trump administration had engaged in pandemic planning, and that he was a part of it.
“I can say that those plans have been in place,” he replied evenly. “It is disappointing that they were not put on the table with a strong leader indicating these are our plans, everyone falls in line and follow through with this plan.”“I can say that those plans have been in place,” he replied evenly. “It is disappointing that they were not put on the table with a strong leader indicating these are our plans, everyone falls in line and follow through with this plan.”
Updated June 30, 2020
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
Scientists around the country have tried to identify everyday materials that do a good job of filtering microscopic particles. In recent tests, HEPA furnace filters scored high, as did vacuum cleaner bags, fabric similar to flannel pajamas and those of 600-count pillowcases. Other materials tested included layered coffee filters and scarves and bandannas. These scored lower, but still captured a small percentage of particles.
A commentary published this month on the website of the British Journal of Sports Medicine points out that covering your face during exercise “comes with issues of potential breathing restriction and discomfort” and requires “balancing benefits versus possible adverse events.” Masks do alter exercise, says Cedric X. Bryant, the president and chief science officer of the American Council on Exercise, a nonprofit organization that funds exercise research and certifies fitness professionals. “In my personal experience,” he says, “heart rates are higher at the same relative intensity when you wear a mask.” Some people also could experience lightheadedness during familiar workouts while masked, says Len Kravitz, a professor of exercise science at the University of New Mexico.
The steroid, dexamethasone, is the first treatment shown to reduce mortality in severely ill patients, according to scientists in Britain. The drug appears to reduce inflammation caused by the immune system, protecting the tissues. In the study, dexamethasone reduced deaths of patients on ventilators by one-third, and deaths of patients on oxygen by one-fifth.
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
Such tension marked the hearing, as did a flash of profanity when Dr. Bright described his email exchanges with Mike Bowen, the executive vice president of Prestige Ameritech, a Texas-based company that makes protective masks. Mr. Bowen, who has been warning for more than a decade that the United States was too dependent on masks from China, emailed Dr. Bright in January, warning of a shortage.Such tension marked the hearing, as did a flash of profanity when Dr. Bright described his email exchanges with Mike Bowen, the executive vice president of Prestige Ameritech, a Texas-based company that makes protective masks. Mr. Bowen, who has been warning for more than a decade that the United States was too dependent on masks from China, emailed Dr. Bright in January, warning of a shortage.
In quiet tones, Dr. Bright recounted the email: “We’re in deep shit. The world is, and we need to act.”In quiet tones, Dr. Bright recounted the email: “We’re in deep shit. The world is, and we need to act.”
Mr. Bowen, who testified after Dr. Bright, confirmed the account and said the issue was not partisan. “It seemed like everybody who was beating up on Dr. Bright was a Republican and everybody who was defending him was a Democrat,” he said, adding: “I’m a Republican. I voted for President Trump.”Mr. Bowen, who testified after Dr. Bright, confirmed the account and said the issue was not partisan. “It seemed like everybody who was beating up on Dr. Bright was a Republican and everybody who was defending him was a Democrat,” he said, adding: “I’m a Republican. I voted for President Trump.”
In addition to buying masks, Dr. Bright recommended that the federal government stock up on remdesivir, a drug that has since been shown to shorten hospital stays for Covid-19 and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment.In addition to buying masks, Dr. Bright recommended that the federal government stock up on remdesivir, a drug that has since been shown to shorten hospital stays for Covid-19 and has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration as a treatment.
Dr. Bright also told the panel that he asked the Pentagon for a plane to bring in nasal swabs, which were in short supply and needed for coronavirus testing, from Italy. After Dr. Kadlec “rebuffed” him, he said he called Mr. Navarro, who got permission from Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper within hours.Dr. Bright also told the panel that he asked the Pentagon for a plane to bring in nasal swabs, which were in short supply and needed for coronavirus testing, from Italy. After Dr. Kadlec “rebuffed” him, he said he called Mr. Navarro, who got permission from Defense Secretary Mark T. Esper within hours.
As for a coronavirus vaccine, Dr. Bright said, the prediction that it would take 12 to 18 months might be overly optimistic. “There’s no one company that can produce enough for our country or the world,” he said. “It’s going to be limited supplies.”As for a coronavirus vaccine, Dr. Bright said, the prediction that it would take 12 to 18 months might be overly optimistic. “There’s no one company that can produce enough for our country or the world,” he said. “It’s going to be limited supplies.”
Democrats painted Dr. Bright as a prescient man of courage. “It all adds up to one inescapable conclusion: It didn’t have to be this way,” said Representative John Sarbanes, Democrat of Maryland. “Things are upside down. In you we have someone who made the right call in the early days, who has been removed from your position, when so many people who made the wrong call still have their jobs.”Democrats painted Dr. Bright as a prescient man of courage. “It all adds up to one inescapable conclusion: It didn’t have to be this way,” said Representative John Sarbanes, Democrat of Maryland. “Things are upside down. In you we have someone who made the right call in the early days, who has been removed from your position, when so many people who made the wrong call still have their jobs.”
Republicans, though, tried to discredit Dr. Bright, suggesting his performance was lacking. Representative Richard Hudson, Republican of North Carolina, told Dr. Bright that Congress should examine “serious allegations that have been made against you,” without elaborating. He cited a Politico article that said his whistle-blower complaint left out context and that his colleagues gave him “mixed” reviews.Republicans, though, tried to discredit Dr. Bright, suggesting his performance was lacking. Representative Richard Hudson, Republican of North Carolina, told Dr. Bright that Congress should examine “serious allegations that have been made against you,” without elaborating. He cited a Politico article that said his whistle-blower complaint left out context and that his colleagues gave him “mixed” reviews.
Dr. Bright said he finally appealed to the public after he tried to put limits on the distribution of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. Representative Gus Bilirakis, Republican of Florida, told Dr. Bright he knew of a veteran who was “cured” by hydroxychloroquine. Representative Buddy Carter, Republican of Georgia, noted that Dr. Bright had shown initial enthusiasm for the drugs and pushed him on whether he “soured” on them because Mr. Trump was promoting them.Dr. Bright said he finally appealed to the public after he tried to put limits on the distribution of chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. Representative Gus Bilirakis, Republican of Florida, told Dr. Bright he knew of a veteran who was “cured” by hydroxychloroquine. Representative Buddy Carter, Republican of Georgia, noted that Dr. Bright had shown initial enthusiasm for the drugs and pushed him on whether he “soured” on them because Mr. Trump was promoting them.
Dr. Bright said he was not opposed to testing the drugs but had safety concerns and wanted to wait for the results of clinical trials. He said he assented to the F.D.A.’s “emergency use authorization” for chloroquine, which is unapproved in the United States, because the F.D.A. limited its use to hospital patients under close medical supervision.Dr. Bright said he was not opposed to testing the drugs but had safety concerns and wanted to wait for the results of clinical trials. He said he assented to the F.D.A.’s “emergency use authorization” for chloroquine, which is unapproved in the United States, because the F.D.A. limited its use to hospital patients under close medical supervision.
“It had nothing to do with politics, sir,” he responded to Mr. Carter. “I wanted to make sure that Americans were aware of the risks of this drug.”“It had nothing to do with politics, sir,” he responded to Mr. Carter. “I wanted to make sure that Americans were aware of the risks of this drug.”