Comment from Anonymous
Anonymous AnonymousOpposeIndividual
Summary: The commenter opposes the proposed order, arguing that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) lacks the health expertise required to manage communicable disease screening and enforcement. They contend that the CDC is better suited to lead the response and criticize the leadership of HHS and the CDC for delegating these responsibilities.
From Bhattacharya’s comments:
“I consulted with the Department of State, DHS, and other federal departments as needed before I issued this Order and requested that DHS aid in the enforcement of this Order
because CDC does not have the capability, resources, or personnel needed to do so.[11]
As part of the consultation, DHS developed operational plans for implementing this Order. These plans are consistent with the language of this Order.”
????????? So, DHS is actually implementing this and NOT CDC? That’s not what it says on CDC website, which puts this squarely on “CDC”: https://lnkd.in/gN6cbXw4
Bhattacharya Citation 11.) 42 U.S.C. 268; 42 CFR 71.40(d)
“(2) If the order will be implemented in whole or in part by designated customs officers (including any individual designated by the Department of Homeland Security to perform the duties of a customs officer) or Coast Guard officers under 42 U.S.C. 268(b), or another Federal department or agency, then the Director shall, in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security or other applicable Federal department or agency head, explain in the order the procedures and standards by which any authorities or officers or agents are expected to aid in the enforcement of the order, to the extent that they are permitted to do so under their existing legal authorities.”
From Bhattacharya Fed Reg justification:
“Screening for Bundibugyo virus disease focuses on identifying symptoms and possible exposure history, such as recent travel to affected areas or contact with infected individuals. Suspected patients are evaluated for symptoms including fever, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding, and laboratory confirmation is performed using specialized tests such as PCR (polymerase chain reaction) to detect the virus in blood and other body fluid samples. Health authorities also use temperature checks, contact tracing, and isolation procedures to prevent transmission.”
DHS is not a “Health Authority”. If a traveler presents w these, what are they going to do? I see nothing more in detail about it.
CDC certainly does have the expertise to deal with and lead the entire response. Unfortunately Jay Bhattacharya does not have the expertise, nor does the HHS Sec of Health. Both should be fired.