Axios finds "news consumption has skyrocketed in the U.S. over the past few weeks due to the coronavirus, according to TV ratings, web traffic, app downloads and social media interactions,” notes Grumpy Editor.
Here's the quickest review of the story so far — how it happened and how the U.S. lost control, compiled by Axios.
- The first known cases in Wuhan emerged in November or December, and Chinese officials spent part of January downplaying the problem.
- In early January, China posted the virus' genome for all to study — and later that month, China put strict measures in place that helped eventually limit its outbreak.
- Communities around the globe that had previous experience with the SARS outbreak prepared early and have so far avoided the worst impacts.
- The U.S. bought itself some extra time by screening passengers from Wuhan mid-January and advising against unnecessary travel to China later that month.
- But the U.S. squandered that time — failing to resolve the breakdown of its testing system, to ramp up production of masks and ventilators, or to move quickly on social media distancing measures.
- Invalid comparisons with seasonal flu outbreaks led individuals and leaders to downplay the virus’ danger.
- For now, until we develop treatments and vaccines, distance and hygiene are the only weapons against the spread of the new virus.
- Shutdowns cause widespread economic harm. So does mass illness. Economies can recover. The dead can’t.
- Our errors have all been on the side of underestimating the virus and, despite warnings, under-preparing for the crisis.
- Whatever mistakes lie behind us, each day offers new chances to limit future harm.
IN CASE YOUR FAVORITE NEWS OUTLETS MISSED THESE…
HISTORIC HOTEL SHUTS DOORS. The historic Hotel del Coronado in California takes the unprecedented step of shutting its doors temporarily in the face of dramatic declines in business because of the continuing spread of the coronavirus. Closing the 132-year-old oceanside hotel affects 1,171 staffers.
MARINES TO REDUCE UNITS. The Marine Corps decides it must eliminate its tank battalions and reduce its infantry and artillery units in 10 years as it converts its force to one more aligned with taking on potential adversaries such as China, reports Stars & Stripes.
TEXAS CITIES LEAD IN POPULATION GAINS. Dallas and Houston metropolitan areas lead the biggest U.S. population gains over the past decade. Dallas added 1.2 million people while Houston increased by 1.1 million.
TONY AWARDS SHOW POSTPONED. The coronavirus causes the 74th annual Tony Awards, scheduled for June 7 in New York, to be postponed. The show was slated to be carried live on CBS.
WHITE HOUSE CORRESPONDENTS DINNER SHELVED. The White House Correspondents’ Association postpones its annual dinner scheduled for April 25, but still hopes to hold the event this summer or fall if the coronavirus threat abates.
ST. LOUS NEWSPAPERS HIT. Webster-Kirkwood Times Inc., ceases publishing a trio of St. Louis area newspapers, the latest media company to be hit by the coronavirus.
TWITTER DONATES $1 MILLION. Twitter is donating $1 million between the Committee to Protect Journalists and the International Women’s Media Foundation to further their work related to supporting those reporting on COVID-19.
POSTAL SERVICE NEEDS HELP. The Postal Service needs “urgent help” amid the coronavirus pandemic or it could shut down as early as June, warn Reps. Carolyn B. Maloney (New York) and Gerry Connolly (Virginia).
BASEBALL PLAYERS OK WITH EXTENDING SEASON. With the coronavirus pandemic, Major League Baseball players are willing to extend the season as long as needed to cover as close to a full schedule as possible, even if it involves several day-night doubleheaders.
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