IDSA endorses Trump administration’s effort to slow spread of COVID-19

The measures announced by the Trump administration to control the spread of the COVID-19 coronavirus have been endorsed by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and its HIV Medicine Association.

IDSA officials said an “all-sector, all-society response” is essential to reducing new infections and protecting those who are most at risk. Staying home and observing social distancing are critical to changing the trajectory of the pandemic.

However, IDSA, which represents physicians, scientists, and health professionals, believes more stringent and specific measures are needed to curtail the spread.

“We urge the administration to back the new “15 Days to Slow the Spread” guidelines with the weight of public health regulations and with acknowledgement and support for the sacrifices that will be necessary,” IDSA officials said in a statement. “We specifically urge the administration to deliver an immediate comprehensive strategy to enforce social distancing and to ensure a secure supply chain of diagnostic testing and personal protective equipment for health workers. Protocols to ensure the tests and equipment are used effectively and universally are also critical.”

IDSA adds that all measures, particularly social distancing, must be accompanied by actions to support individuals, families, and small businesses that will be affected. All levels of government – including federal, state, and local – as well as the private sector — must provide necessary protections to those who are economically or socially impacted during this time.

Paid leave for employees; federal support for businesses; nutritional support; relief from mortgage, rent, utilities, evictions, and other regular payments; resources to address care for individuals who are homeless; and educational support for children are all essential to mitigating the impact.

The bill currently in Congress — the Families First Coronavirus Response Act — will provide some protections to individuals, families, and communities. Still, additional financial support will be needed as the coronavirus continues to infect communities.