Tony's Diary Package — page 57

Mar. 17, 2020 - 168,000/6700; 151 countries; USA 4529 cases (903 news); 84 deaths (16 new). At TF discussed supply chain issues; also testing still somewhat of an issue. Press conference with POTUS. He is now coming around (largely through my efforts) to say thatr this is really a serious problem, but he still always brags about how well we are doing as opposed to emohasizing the challenges ahead. I gave some support to Gov. Cuomo during a question of me. Issue arising of clains from France that hydroxychloroquine is effective in decreasing the duration of viral shedding and also is used as a prophylaxis in exposed people. All uncontrolled studies. PRESS: Press conference after TF. I was featured heavily in the presser; FOX with Laura Ingraham; Sean Hannity Radio; Barstool Sports Podcast Mar. 18, 2020 - WH wanted me to not wear myself out. Have had private car and driver since Mar. 13 (Friday). I will stay at NIH today and do some press tonight from truck at home. Very positive press with Laura Ingraham on FOX last night On WHO call, Dale Fisher (Australian working in Singapore) gave warning to other countries that after you lift the lock down, be prepared for a rebound and use the lockdown period to stock up on supplies, prepare alternative hospitals (gyms, schools, etc.) preserve PPE and not use them for unnecessary things. Also, from Italy, 12% of ICU patinets were 19-50 years od and ~30% were 50-70 yo; 50% of French patienets in ICU are under 60 yo. Bloomberg report on March 18 (Tommaso Ebhardt et al) said that in Italy 99% of thois who died had "othe illness". However, 75% of these had hypertension. These latter must have been on anti-hypertensive meds and so the issue of ACE inhibitors absolutely must be pursued. On TF call we discussed the Defense Production Act and a possible EO. Also, the VP said over the phone that he wanted me at the Pressor today and Katie (good for her) pushed back and said that I should stay at NIH. VP looked surprised. Probably will hear more about this. Also, at TF meeting they decided to fully embrace FEMA and make a big announcement about that with the POTUS today. New York City and State are facing a "Sophie's Choice" regarding PPE. They are very low and they have to make a decision of using PPE for testing versus giving to HCWs who are taking care of patients. Obviously, it goes to HCWs, but that will interfer with testing. This was related to me by phone call with Peter Staley, Mark Harrington, and James Krellerstein.