President Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that “anybody” in the United States can get tested for coronavirus, but a doctor and expert on pandemics called out his lie.
The lack of coronavirus tests in this country is regarded as one of the biggest failures of Trump’s pathetic response to the pandemic.
Thus far, there are approximately 2,500 cases in the United States and at least 55 deaths. The lack of tests means people have to meet certain criteria to be tested.
But earlier this month, Trump began insisting that “anybody” can be tested.
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“Anybody that wants a test can get a test,” Trump said at the Centers for Disease Control after interrupting Health and Human Services Secretary Alex Azar. “That’s what the bottom line is. But as of right now and yesterday, anybody that needs a test — that’s the important thing — and the tests are all perfect, like the letter was perfect. The transcription was perfect, right? This was not as perfect as that, but pretty good.”
Turns out, not perfect. In fact, it’s a lie.
Dr. Dena Grayson is a pandemic expert. And she pointed out on Saturday after Trump answered questions at a press conference at the White House that even people who are showing symptoms are currently unable to get tested even as Republican lawmakers and Trump himself are able to get tested right away after being exposed to someone who tested positive.
Grayson even noted that South Korea is handling the virus better than Italy because they are testing everyone.
Trump claimed that “anyone” could get a #coronavirus test, yet many people *with symptoms* STILL cannot get tested. We need to test EVERYONE at risk of infection, regardless of age.
Trump’s failure has put MANY American lives at risk.🤬#CoronavirusPandemic #COVIDー19 #COVID19 https://t.co/Z2nz6t0vmR
— Dr. Dena Grayson (@DrDenaGrayson) March 14, 2020
In response to Grayson’s post, at least one Twitter user confirmed that they have been unable to get tested even though they have symptoms.
I’ve had a fever for 5 days. Been in bed I’m so sick. Negative flu, negative strep- all the meds, still can’t get a test. Also don’t qualify for the paid sick leave. I imagine many like me out there.
— AinTX (@AinsTx) March 14, 2020
Trump should not lie about something so needed during a public health crisis, especially something that can be demonstrably proven false. He is giving people false hope and putting lives at risk. It’s despicable.
Featured image via screen capture
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