Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates recently addressed the coronavirus pandemic in an AMA (Ask Me Anything) Reddit. But now, in an op-ed for the Washington Post, he has provided more insight into how the United States can better and more effectively respond to the fight against COVID-19. Specifically, the co-chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation proposed three steps to address COVID-19, which has infected a large percentage of people around the world.
First, Bill Gates argues that there needs to be a national approach to business, noting that the country's leaders need to be clear. Specifically, they need to make it clear that everything needs to be shut down and closed. He also says that until the number of cases across America — which could take 10 weeks or more — no one can continue to work under the same conditions they worked under before, and businesses should not delay their closures, as this will result in more deaths from COVID-19.
The second step Bill Gates is proposing is testing for COVID-19. Gates says the federal government should ramp up its efforts to get more people tested, and it should prioritize testing, starting with doctors and first responders. His comments echo what he said in a Reddit AMA on March 18, in which he called testing in the U.S. “disorganized.” Gates also said that the system for purchasing personal protective equipment, which governors are pushing too hard, can only make the situation worse.
Finally, Bill Gates says there needs to be a data- to developing treatments and a vaccine. He warned leaders not to spread rumors or create panic, referring to the drug hydroxychloroquine. Hydroxychloroquine has been offered as a treatment for COVID-19, which has led many to rush to buy it without knowing whether they should use it. It is, of course, a drug that is essential for those with lupus .It is worth noting that the Foundation gave $100 million in February to support the fight against the Coronavirus, having initially given $10 million in January.
