Feb 28: The start

One person was found positive for the COVID-19 in a town south of Milan. Extensive testing was done immediately of all contacts, and the whole town was put in quarantine. Milan to the north remained "open" but all public events and schools were closed. Italy has universal health care. They had thousands of tests kits available, and affected people were put in the best specialized hospitals. Medical authorities have been regularly speaking to the media. Politics has been out of the picture. Let's compare with what's happening here... We have a first case in Solano county that appears to be "community" spread. We appear to have no large scale testing (any testing?). The Bay Area seems oblivious to the potential seriousness of the problem. How many "insured" folks will go to less capable hospitals because of the restrictions of their insurance companies. How many uninsured folks will not seek care or testing (when finally available) because of fear of the medical bills. How will this fact contribute to the spread of the virus? Let's think of these simple facts as we go to the ballot box next week.
(Written from my personal computer and on my own time)

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