Coronavirus (COVID-19) Discussion Thread

[Pemalite]

JRPGfan said:

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/jun/30/us-buys-up-world-stock-of-key-covid-19-drug

"The US has bought up virtually all the stocks for the next three months of one of the two drugs proven to work against Covid-19, leaving none for the UK, Europe or most of the rest of the world."

What the hell america? isnt there enough for everyone is we just spread it around as needed and buy as needed?
Why by up 3months worth, leaveing none for anyone else? and in the proccess hurt europe and other nations that might need it?


“They’ve got access to most of the drug supply [of remdesivir], so there’s nothing for Europe,” said Dr Andrew Hill, senior visiting research fellow at Liverpool University."

"Remdesivir, the first drug approved by licensing authorities in the US to treat Covid-19, is made by Gilead and has been shown to help people recover faster from the disease. The first 140,000 doses, supplied to drug trials around the world, have been used up. The Trump administration has now bought more than 500,000 doses, which is all of Gilead’s production for July and 90% of August and September."


The entire world, had to share 140,000 doses of it, and now USA is takeing the next 500,000 doses,
leaveing none for the rest of the world for 3months+ time?

"The drug, which was invented for Ebola but failed to work, is under patent to Gilead, which means no other company in wealthy countries can make it. The cost is around $3,200 per treatment of six doses, according to the US government statement."

1) what the hell do you need 500,000 dozes of it for? the USA doesnt have that many critical ill with covid19 in ICU beds does it?
2)  if 6 doses is $3200 that means 500,000 / 6 = 83,333 x $3200  =  $266,666,666 USD spent.  Wow thats not cheap.

"Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau warned there could be unintended negative consequences if the US continued to outbid its allies. “We know it is in both of our interests to work collaboratively and cooperatively to keep our citizens safe,” he said. The Trump administration has also invoked the Defense Production Act to block some medical goods made in the US from being sent abroad."

Nothing looks likely to prevent the US cornering the market in remdesivir, however. “This is the first major approved drug, and where is the mechanism for access?” said Dr Hill. “Once again we’re at the back of the queue.”

Because the USA failed to lock down it's economy and defeat the virus, flattening the curve and instead put money ahead of life... It's basically decided to punish those nations who did put life before money?

I mean, the USA needs to put the USA first, but that is just selfish.

What this might result in is other countries seeing that an over-reliance on American health technology is a bad thing and simply stop buying and investing with the USA in favor of other options, like Chinese... You know. Eggs and baskets and all that.
Ultimately the USA will loose out in the long term.

Is it safe to say that Trump is taking a popularity beating in the USA with his mishandling of COVID?