CORONA Trump on TV at 6 PM ET tonight re Coronavirus

OUCH! Speaker Pelosi is incompetent.

This news conference is not making me feel all warm and fuzzy

"Pelosi is incompetent." And Schumer is a jerk. Pelosi should go back to her district and clean it up; she's trying to create a panic. Pelosi & her ilk are demeaning the greatest people in the world.

John Deere Girl said:

I trust your judgement in this. You know the protocol well.

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Look at the link to the ESF 8 NIMS functions I posted a few posts back. ESF8 when implemented gives a LOT of leeway in shutting down borders, med activities etc. He's being factual, the ESF8 papers show what is going to be done. Under ESF8 HHS can ramp up and shut the entrances to the country down literally overnight if needed. They have sweeping powers.
That's why pres. Trump sounds like he's lying through his teeth. He isn't, he's calmly explaining the situation and the ESF-8 activation is the meat and potatoes of the govt. action. The snowball is ready to roll as needed.

And thank you for your trust. I try and report news the TB2K family can use.

AlfaMan said:

They're soft shoeing the ramping up of quarantine and restricting travel that WILL happen. This is a prep news conference. "We're on it, here's what to expect" sort of conference. I like the approach.

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The CDC and Secretary of Health came off that way, Trump is coming off as a snake oil salesman. The man is NOT a good liar, actually i like that in a politician, but he is not believable.

AlfaMan said:

Look at the link to the ESF 8 NIMS functions I posted a few posts back. ESF8 when implemented gives a LOT of leeway in shutting down borders, med activities etc. He's being factual, the ESF8 papers show what is going to be done. Under ESF8 HHS can ramp up and shut the entrances to the country down literally overnight if needed. They have sweeping powers.
That's why pres. Trump sounds like he's lying through his teeth. He isn't, he's calmly explaining the situation and the ESF-8 activation is the meat and potatoes of the govt. action. The snowball is ready to roll as needed.

And thank you for your trust. I try and report news the TB2K family can use.

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Thank you, Sir! I appreciate you taking time to explain.

AlfaMan -- He is giving the information, most of the public doesn't know where to look.

AlfaMan said:

Look at the link to the ESF 8 NIMS functions I posted a few posts back. ESF8 when implemented gives a LOT of leeway in shutting down borders, med activities etc. He's being factual, the ESF8 papers show what is going to be done. Under ESF8 HHS can ramp up and shut the entrances to the country down literally overnight if needed. They have sweeping powers.
That's why pres. Trump sounds like he's lying through his teeth. He isn't, he's calmly explaining the situation and the ESF-8 activation is the meat and potatoes of the govt. action. The snowball is ready to roll as needed.

And thank you for your trust. I try and report news the TB2K family can use.

Click to expand...

So where has he dropped the ball, and what should he do at this juncture to best serve Americans and America's interest? Pull some vents outta his butt, and professionals to use em would be nice, but I will stop short o' faultin him for not doing so.

AlfaMan said:

Look at the link to the ESF 8 NIMS functions I posted a few posts back. ESF8 when implemented gives a LOT of leeway in shutting down borders, med activities etc. He's being factual, the ESF8 papers show what is going to be done. Under ESF8 HHS can ramp up and shut the entrances to the country down literally overnight if needed. They have sweeping powers.
That's why pres. Trump sounds like he's lying through his teeth. He isn't, he's calmly explaining the situation and the ESF-8 activation is the meat and potatoes of the govt. action. The snowball is ready to roll as needed.

And thank you for your trust. I try and report news the TB2K family can use.

Click to expand...

Thank you for that insight AlpaMan it makes me feel somewhat better. I just hate liars and he's coming off as a liar, maybe it's just because he is uncomfortable telling half truths.

I too hold you and your opinion in high esteem.

As you read what ESF-8 contains, you will also notice a pretty large veterinary component as well. Vet, in terms of pets to livestock and anything in between.
NIMS is a pretty broad structure, and it can seem like the logistical tail is 10 miles long to it. But all the first responders, HHS tasked docs, any first responder in the country in any task or job knows what to do because of it. It's a good plan.

DazedandConfused said:

And folks That's what I call a sugar coated shit sandwich !

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Just remember, the more bread you got, the less shit you eat.


Southside

So, are we looking at another news conference or info dump on Friday saying things are getting worse?

Much as I care for our POTUS and Family, I follow no human blindly. What he said or didn't say will not alter my normal prepping lifestyle. Been at it a few good years and its a lifestyle, and I'm always finding new and fun things to try.
Just keep doing what your doing. Steady On.

jward said:

So where has he dropped the ball, and what should he do at this juncture to best serve Americans and America's interest? Pull some vents outta his butt, and professionals to use em would be nice, but I will stop short o' faultin him for not doing so.

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He's mobilised the HHS, public health service, CDC, NIH. He's brought the full medical weight of the Us's best and brightest to bear on the problem. Also, There are about 10500 ventilators in the SNS, in 15 warehouses around the country. More being bought probably. The funding should help buy more.

MrsClaus said:

So, are we looking at another news conference or info dump on Friday saying things are getting worse?

Click to expand...

That is a good question. I have no idea what the roll out tempo on this might be. Heck, with a whole lotta luck, we might
still see limited seeding in many of our communities this wave.

And now back to campaigning.

And now back to campaigning.

Welcome back my friend to the show that never ends ...

AlfaMan said:

He's mobilised the HHS, public health service, CDC, NIH. He's brought the full medical weight of the Us's best and brightest to bear on the problem. Also, There are about 10500 ventilators in the SNS, in 15 warehouses around the country. More being bought probably. The funding should help buy more.

Click to expand...

Not certain there are many to be bought, but I don't see the big lapse in judgement or ball dropping the Ds will be screaming that he exhibited. I haven't read the plans in ages, hope there is plenty of flexibility built in for the smaller local units o' gov. to meet issues as facts on the ground demand in their AO. Think I shoulda passed around the drink cart for this--- it just isn't a fun place for us to be

Capt. Eddie said:

The CDC and Secretary of Health came off that way, Trump is coming off as a snake oil salesman. The man is NOT a good liar, actually i like that in a politician, but he is not believable.

Click to expand...

He's not a good liar, and he clearly is uncomfortable even glossing over certain parts of this. I love this in a politician, it tells me that politician has a functioning conscience, tells the truth most all the time, feels bad when he isnt- and he's also a lousy poker player

DazedandConfused said:

And folks That's what I call a sugar coated shit sandwich !

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Really? How so? Is someone forcing you to eat something?

I do get that the POTUS and VPOTUS are soft-pedalling the issues, but if you disagree with that, it doesn't mean you can't do what you feel you need to do. What they're NOT doing is instituting a COG protocol and going full dictator to try to lock things down. That would be a genuine shit sandwhich. No sugar, no chaser.

My feelings on all of this are ambivalent. In China, it's a true and abiding crisis, from multiple directions. Near China, it has spread, and is serious, but not the eruption that China is experiencing. It's made its way to Europe and here now, and while it's growing strongly, it's still not just going gangbusters.

Here in particular, in my experience and expectation, I thought there would be more obvious things to point to by now. Do any Americans here know anybody personally, or even Kevin-Bacon-6-Degrees away, that has this, let alone died of it? I don't, and in my industry we have many international ties, travelers with such ties. I find that curious.

My intention is not to be a polly, I just think that we're expecting something more dire, and when the POTUS didn't confirm that expectation we're wondering why. Personally, I'm trying to not take too many chances, and I'm prepping. The press conference doesn't change that either way, so if they want to play the "keep calm" card, then that's how it is.

Dozdoats said:

And now back to campaigning.

Welcome back my friend to the show that never ends ...

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We're so glad you could attend. Come inside! Come inside.

Look, Trump is not a swami or a psychic....... He's dealing the same as the rest of us. Don't call him a liar.

Most of these reporters...

thompson said:

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Comparing Mike Pence to an Obama Czar.

Bet he'll handle it better than Biden did with Ukraine.

Well that did not inspire confidence.

I’ve already voiced above that I did feel he downplayed this too much.
And believing China’s numbers ??? Good Lord!
I hope and pray I’m WRONG and the President handles this spectacularly well and the virus burns itself out and all turns out fine.

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-esf-08.pdf

Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
January 2008 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex ESF #8-1
ESF Coordinator:
Department of Health and Human Services
Primary Agency:
Department of Health and Human Services
Support Agencies:
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Energy
Department of Homeland Security
Department of the Interior
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Department of State
Department of Transportation
Department of Veterans Affairs
Environmental Protection Agency
General Services Administration
U.S. Agency for International Development
U.S. Postal Service
American Red Cross
INTRODUCTION
Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #8 – Public Health and Medical Services provides the
mechanism for coordinated Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local resources
in response to a public health and medical disaster, potential or actual incidents requiring a
coordinated Federal response, and/or during a developing potential health and medical
emergency. The phrase “medical needs” is used throughout this annex. Public Health and
Medical Services include responding to medical needs associated with mental health, behavioral
health, and substance abuse considerations of incident victims and response workers. Services
also cover the medical needs of members of the “at risk” or “special needs” population
described in the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act and in the National Response
Framework (NRF) Glossary, respectively. It includes a population whose members may have
medical and other functional needs before, during, and after an incident.
Public Health and Medical Services includes behavioral health needs consisting of both mental
health and substance abuse considerations for incident victims and response workers and, as
appropriate, medical needs groups defined in the core document as individuals in need of
additional medical response assistance, and veterinary and/or animal health issues.
Scope
ESF #8 provides supplemental assistance to State, tribal, and local governments in the
following core functional areas:
y Assessment of public health/medical needs
y Health surveillance
y Medical care personnel
y Health/medical/veterinary equipment and supplies
y Patient evacuation
y Patient care
y Safety and security of drugs, biologics, and medical devices
y Blood and blood products
y Food safety and security
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
ESF #8-2 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex January 2008
y Agriculture safety and security
y All-hazard public health and medical consultation, technical assistance, and support
y Behavioral health care
y Public health and medical information
y Vector control
y Potable water/wastewater and solid waste disposal
y Mass fatality management, victim identification, and decontaminating remains
y Veterinary medical support
Policies
The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) leads all Federal public health and medical
response to public health emergencies and incidents covered by the NRF. The response
addresses medical needs and other functional needs of those in need of medical care, including
assistance or support in maintaining independence, communicating, using transportation,
and/or requiring supervision.
The Secretary of HHS shall assume operational control of Federal emergency public health and
medical response assets, as necessary, in the event of a public health emergency, except for
members of the Armed Forces, who remain under the authority and control of the Secretary of
Defense.
The Secretary of HHS, through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and
Response (ASPR), coordinates national ESF #8 preparedness, response, and recovery actions.
These actions do not alter or impede the existing authorities of any department or agency
supporting ESF #8.
HHS coordinates all ESF #8 response actions consistent with HHS internal policies and
procedures (e.g., HHS Concept of Operations Plan for Public Health and Medical Emergencies,
and the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Four Partner Memorandum of Agreement).
ESF #8 support agencies are responsible for maintaining administrative control over their
respective response resources after receiving coordinating instructions from HHS.
The Emergency Management Group (EMG), operating from the HHS Secretary’s Operations
Center (SOC), coordinates the overall national ESF #8 response for the ASPR and maintains
constant communications with the National Operations Center (NOC).
All headquarters and regional organizations (including those involved in other ESFs)
participating in response operations report public health and medical requirements to the
appropriate ESF #8 representative operating in the National Response Coordination Center
(NRCC), the Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC), or the Joint Field Office (JFO)
when activated.
The Joint Information Center (JIC) will be established to coordinate incident-related public
information, and is authorized to release general medical and public health response
information to the public. When possible, a recognized spokesperson from the public health
and medical community (State, tribal, or local) delivers relevant community messages. After
consultation with HHS, the lead Public Affairs Officer from other JICs may also release general
medical and public health response information.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
January 2008 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex ESF #8-3
In the event of a zoonotic disease outbreak and in coordination with ESF #11 – Agriculture and
Natural Resources, public information may be released after consultation with the Department
of Agriculture (USDA). In the event of an oil, chemical, biological, or radiological environmental
contamination incident, ESF #8 coordinates with ESF #10 – Oil and Hazardous Materials
Response on the release of public health information.
As the lead agency for ESF #8, HHS determines the appropriateness of all requests for release
of public health and medical information and is responsible for consulting with and organizing
Federal public health and medical subject-matter experts,as needed.

Capt. Eddie said:

Well that did not inspire confidence.

Click to expand...

True, this is way more dangerous than the flu, I feel weapons grade, but I'd prefer Trump running this situation over Hillary, Bernie, Biden, Budigeg, Warren, Pelosi and even Bloomberg combined.

Warm Wisconsin said:

The president has way more information than we do. He gets intelligence we wouldn’t see for 75 years. If he says we are safe...we are safe.

Click to expand...

Nonsense......they claimed no injuries after the Iranian missile attack...."all is well"

CONCEPT OF OPERATIONS
General
Upon notification, the ASPR alerts identified HHS personnel to represent ESF #8, as required, in
or on the:
y Domestic Readiness Group (DRG).
y NOC (Planning Element or Watch).
y NRCC.
y RRCC/JFO.
y National/regional teams.
y JIC.
y Other Federal, State, or tribal operations centers as required by the mission.
HHS notifies and requests all supporting departments and agencies to participate in
headquarters coordination activities. The ASPR may request ESF #8 support agencies and
organizations to provide liaison personnel to the HHS Headquarters command locations.
HHS Headquarters and ESF #8 staff provide liaison and communications support to regional
ESF #8 offices.
Regional ESF #8 staff may be assisted by supporting Federal partners and HHS components.
ESF #8 staff in the RRCC or JFO will conduct a risk analysis, evaluate, and determine the
capability required to meet the mission objective and provide required public health and
medical support medical assistance to State, tribal, and local medical and public health officials.
In the early stages of an incident, it may not be possible to fully assess the situation and verify
the level of assistance required. In such circumstances, HHS may provide assistance under its
own statutory authorities. In these cases, every reasonable attempt is made to verify the need
before providing assistance.
During the response period, HHS has primary responsibility for the analysis of public health and
medical assistance, determining the appropriate level of response capability based on the
requirement contained in the action request form as well as developing updates and
assessments of public health status.
ORGANIZATION
Headquarters
The Secretary of HHS leads the ESF #8 response. ESF #8, when activated, is coordinated by
the ASPR. Once activated, ESF #8 functions are coordinated by the EMG through the SOC.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
ESF #8-4 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex January 2008
During the initial activation, HHS coordinates audio and video conference calls with the ESF #8
supporting departments and agencies, and public health and medical representatives from
State, tribal, and local officials, to discuss the situation and determine the appropriate initial
response actions.
HHS alerts and requests supporting organizations to provide a representative to the EMG to
provide liaison support.
Public health and medical subject-matter experts (including partners representing all
appropriate populations, such as pediatric populations, populations with disabilities, the aging,
and those with temporary or chronic medical conditions) from HHS and ESF #8 organizations
are consulted as needed.
Regional
HHS coordinates ESF #8 field response activities according to internal policies and procedures.
HHS may designate a Senior Health Official to serve as the senior Federal health official in the
JFO.
Regional ESF #8 staff are ready to rapidly deploy, as the Incident Response Coordination
Team – Advance (IRCT-A) to provide initial ESF #8 support to the affected location. As the
situation matures, the IRCT-A will receive augmentation from HHS and partner agencies
transitioning into a full IRCT capable of providing the full range of ESF #8 support to include
medical command and control.
The regional ESF #8 staff includes representatives to staff the RRCC and/or JFO, as required,
on a 24-hour basis for the duration of the incident.

ACTIONS: INITIAL ACTIONS
The HHS EMG increases staffing immediately on notification of an actual or potential public
health or medical emergency. When activated by the NRCC, HHS consults with the appropriate
ESF #8 supporting organizations to determine the need for assistance according to the
functional areas listed below.
Assessment of Public Health/Medical Needs
HHS, in collaboration with the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), mobilizes and deploys
ESF #8 personnel to support national or regional teams to assess public health and medical
needs, including the needs of at-risk population groups, such as language assistance services
for limited English-proficient individuals and accommodations and services for individuals with
disabilities. This function includes the assessment of the health care system/facility
infrastructure.
Health Surveillance
HHS, in coordination with supporting departments and agencies, enhances existing surveillance
systems to monitor the health of the general and medical needs population; carries out field
studies and investigations; monitors injury and disease patterns and potential disease
outbreaks, blood and blood product biovigilance, and blood supply levels; and provides
technical assistance and consultations on disease and injury prevention and precautions.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
January 2008 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex ESF #8-5
Medical Care Personnel
Immediate medical response capabilities are provided by assets internal to HHS (e.g., U.S.
Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NDMS, and Federal Civil Service employees) and
from ESF #8 supporting organizations.
y ESF #8 may request Department of Defense (DOD) support for casualty clearing and
staging, patient treatment, and support services such as surveillance and laboratory
diagnostics.
y ESF #8 may seek individual clinical public health and medical care specialists from the
Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to assist State, tribal, and local public health and
medical personnel.
y ESF #8 may engage civilian volunteers, such as Medical Reserve Corps, to assist State,
tribal, and local public health and medical personnel.
Health/Medical/Veterinary Equipment and Supplies
In addition to deploying assets from the Strategic National Stockpile (SNS), ESF #8 may
request DOD or the VA to provide medical equipment, durable medical equipment, and
supplies, including medical, diagnostic, and radiation-detecting devices, pharmaceuticals, and
biologic products in support of immediate medical response operations and for restocking health
care facilities in an area affected by a major disaster or emergency. When a veterinary
response is required, assets may be requested from the National Veterinary Stockpile, which is
managed by USDA Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS).
Patient Evacuation
ESF #8 is responsible for transporting seriously ill (seriously ill describes persons whose illness
or injury is of such severity that there is cause for immediate concern, but there is not
imminent danger to life) or injured patients, and medical needs populations from casualty
collection points in the impacted area to designated reception facilities. ESF #8 coordinates the
Federal response in support of emergency triage and prehospital treatment, patient tracking,
and distribution. This effort is coordinated with Federal, State, tribal, territorial, and local
emergency medical services officials.
ESF #8 may request DOD, VA, and DHS/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), via
the national ambulance contract, to provide support for evacuating seriously ill or injured
patients. Support may include providing transportation assets, operating and staffing NDMS
Federal Coordination Centers, and processing and tracking patient movements from collection
points to their final destination reception facilities.
DOD is the only recognized Federal partner responsible for regulating and tracking patients
transported on DOD assets to appropriate treatment facilities (i.e., NDMS hospitals).
Patient Care
ESF #8 may task HHS components to engage civil service personnel, the Officers from the U.S.
Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, the regional offices, and States to engage civilian
volunteers and request the VA and DOD to provide available personnel to support prehospital
triage and treatment, inpatient hospital care, outpatient services, pharmacy services, and
dental care to victims who are seriously ill, injured, or suffer from chronic illnesses who need
evacuation assistance, regardless of location.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
ESF #8-6 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex January 2008
ESF #8 may assist with isolation and quarantine measures and with point of distribution
operations (mass prophylaxis and vaccination). Health care providers and support staff will
ensure appropriate patient confidentiality is maintained, including Health Insurance Portability
and Accountability Act privacy and security standards, where applicable.
Safety and Security of Drugs, Biologics, and Medical Devices
ESF #8 may task HHS components to ensure the safety and efficacy of and advise industry on
security measures for regulating human and veterinary drugs, biologics (including blood and
vaccines), medical devices (including radiation emitting and screening devices), and other HHSregulated products.
Blood, Organs, and Blood Tissues
ESF #8 may task HHS components and request assistance from other ESF #8 partner
organizations to monitor and ensure the safety, availability, and logistical requirements of
blood, organs, and tissues. This includes the ability of the existing supply chain resources to
meet the manufacturing, testing, storage, and distribution of these products.
Food Safety and Security
ESF #8, in cooperation with ESF #11, may task HHS components and request assistance from
other ESF #8 partner organizations to ensure the safety and security of federally regulated
foods. (Note: HHS, through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has statutory authority
for all domestic and imported food except meat, poultry, and egg products, which are under the
authority of the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. The Environmental Protection
Agency establishes tolerance levels for pesticide residues.)
Agriculture Safety and Security
ESF #8, in coordination with ESF #11, may task HHS components to ensure the health, safety,
and security of food-producing animals, animal feed, and therapeutics. (Note: HHS, through
the FDA, has statutory authority for animal feed and for the approval of animal drugs intended
for both therapeutic and nontherapeutic use in food animals as well as companion animals.)
Worker Safety and Health
Under agreement with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), DOL is the lead Federal agency for
worker safety and health. ESF #8/HHS is a supporting agency. Refer to the NRF Worker
Safety and Health Support Annex for detailed information.
All-Hazard Public Health and Medical Consultation, Technical Assistance, and Support
ESF #8 may task HHS components and regional offices and request assistance from other ESF
#8 partner organizations in assessing public health, medical, and veterinary medical effects
resulting from all hazards. Such tasks may include assessing exposures on the general
population and on high-risk population groups; conducting field investigations, including
collection and analysis of relevant samples; providing advice on protective actions related to
direct human and animal exposures, and on indirect exposure through contaminated food,
drugs, water supply, and other media; and providing technical assistance and consultation on
medical treatment, screening, and decontamination of injured or contaminated individuals.
While State, tribal, and local officials retain primary responsibility for victim screening and
decontamination operations, ESF #8 can deploy the National Medical Response Teams to assist
with victim decontamination.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
January 2008 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex ESF #8-7
Behavioral Health Care
ESF #8 may task HHS components and request assistance from other ESF #8 partner
organizations in assessing mental health and substance abuse needs, including emotional,
psychological, psychological first aid, behavioral, or cognitive limitations requiring assistance or
supervision; providing disaster mental health training materials for workers; providing liaison
with assessment, training, and program development activities undertaken by Federal, State,
tribal, or local mental health and substance abuse officials; and providing additional
consultation as needed.
Public Health and Medical Information
ESF #8 provides public health, disease, and injury prevention information that can be
transmitted to members of the general public who are located in or near areas affected in
languages and formats that are understandable to individuals with limited English proficiency
and individuals with disabilities.
Vector Control
ESF #8 may task HHS components and request assistance from other ESF #8 partner
organizations, as appropriate, in assessing the threat of vector-borne diseases; conducting field
investigations, including the collection and laboratory analysis of relevant samples; providing
vector control equipment and supplies; providing technical assistance and consultation on
protective actions regarding vector-borne diseases; and providing technical assistance and
consultation on medical treatment of victims of vector-borne diseases.
Public Health Aspects of Potable Water/Wastewater and Solid Waste
ESF #8 may task HHS components and request assistance from other ESF #8 organizations to
assist in assessing potable water, wastewater, solid waste disposal, and other environmental
health issues related to public health in establishments holding, preparing, and/or serving food,
drugs, or medical devices at retail and medical facilities, as well as examining and responding
to public health effects from contaminated water; conducting field investigations, including
collection and laboratory analysis of relevant samples; providing equipment and supplies as
needed; and providing technical assistance and consultation.
Mass Fatality Management
ESF #8, when requested by State, tribal, or local officials, in coordination with its partner
organizations, will assist the jurisdictional medico-legal authority and law enforcement agencies
in the tracking and documenting of human remains and associated personal effects; reducing
the hazard presented by chemically, biologically, or radiologically contaminated human remains
(when indicated and possible); establishing temporary morgue facilities; determining the cause
and manner of death; collecting antemortem data in a compassionate and culturally competent
fashion from authorized individuals; performing postmortem data collection and documentation;
identifying human remains using scientific means (e.g., dental, pathology, anthropology,
fingerprints, and, as indicated, DNA samples); and preparing, processing, and returning human
remains and personal effects to the authorized person(s) when possible; and providing
technical assistance and consultation on fatality management and mortuary affairs. In the
event that caskets are displaced, ESF #8 assists in identifying the human remains, recasketing,
and reburial in public cemeteries.
ESF #8 may task HHS components and request assistance from other ESF #8 partner
organizations, as appropriate, to provide support to families of victims during the victim
identification mortuary process.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
ESF #8-8 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex January 2008
Veterinary Medical Support
ESF #8 will provide veterinary assistance to ESF #11. Support will include the amelioration of
zoonotic disease and caring for research animals where ESF #11 does not have the requisite
expertise to render appropriate assistance.
ESF #8 will assist ESF #11 as required to protect the health of livestock and companion and
service animals by ensuring the safety of the manufacture and distribution of foods and drugs
given to animals used for human food production. ESF #8 supports DHS/FEMA together with
ESF #6 – Mass Care, Emergency Assistance, Housing, and Human Services, ESF #9 – Search
and Rescue, and ESF #11 to ensure an integrated response to provide for the safety and wellbeing of household pets and service and companion animals.
ESF #8 Support to ESF #6
ESF #8 supports ESF #6 by providing expertise and guidance on the public health issues of the
medical needs populations.

Matt said:

Nonsense......they claimed no injuries after the Iranian missile attack...."all is well"

Click to expand...

They didn't know at first. It took time to diagnose.

ACTIONS: CONTINUING ACTIONS
Headquarters and Regional Support
ESF #8 continuously acquires and assesses information on the incident. The EMG, ESF #8
regional staff, and ESF #8 liaison staff in the RRCC/JFO continue to identify the nature and
extent of public health and medical problems and establish appropriate monitoring and public
surveillance. Other sources of information may include:
y State incident management authorities.
y Officials of the responsible jurisdiction in charge of the disaster scene.
y ESF #8 support agencies and organizations.
y Various Federal officials in the incident area.
y State health, agricultural, or animal health officials.
y State emergency medical services authorities.
y Tribal officials.
Because of the potential complexity of the public health and medical response, conditions may
require ESF #8 subject-matter experts to review public health and medical information and
advise on specific strategies to manage and respond to a specific situation in the most
appropriate manner.
Activation of Public Health/Medical Response Teams
HHS components are deployed directly as part of the ESF #8 response. Public health and
medical personnel and teams provided by ESF #8 are deployed under a DHS/FEMA mission
assignment.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
January 2008 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex ESF #8-9
Coordination of Requests for Medical Transportation
In a major public health or medical emergency, local transportation assets may not be sufficient
to meet the demand. State, tribal, and local requests for Federal medical transportation
assistance are executed by ESF #8 in coordination with DHS/FEMA. Such assistance may
include accessible transportation for medical needs populations
Coordination for Obtaining, Assembling, and Delivering Medical Equipment and
Supplies to the Incident Area
ESF #8 will coordinate with DHS/FEMA, VA, DOD, the General Services Administration (GSA),
and other Federal partners as required to arrange for the procurement and transportation of
medical and durable medical equipment and supplies.
Communications
ESF #8 establishes communications necessary to coordinate Federal public health, medical, and
veterinary medical assistance effectively.
Public Affairs Information Requests
Requests for information may be received from various sources, such as the media and the
general public, and are referred to ESF #15 – External Affairs for action and response. ESF #8
makes available language-assistance services, such as interpreters for different languages,
telecommunications devices for the deaf, and accessible print media, to facilitate
communication with all members of the public.
After-Action Reports/Lessons Learned
ESF #8, on completion of the incident, prepares summary after-action and lessons learned
reports. These reports identify key problems, indicate how they were solved, and make
recommendations for improving response operations. ESF #8 will request input and coordinate
the preparation of the after-action and lessons learned reports with all supported and
supporting agencies.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Primary Agency: HHS
y Leads the Federal effort to provide public health and medical assistance to the affected
area.
y Coordinates staffing of the HHS EMG to support the response operation.
y Requests appropriate ESF #8 organizations to activate and deploy public health, medical,
and veterinary medical personnel, equipment, and supplies in response to requests for
Federal public health and medical assistance, as appropriate.
y Uses HHS personnel (U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, NDMS, Federal Civil
Service, and civilian volunteers) to address public health, medical, and veterinary medical
needs.
y Assists and supports State, tribal, and local officials in performing monitoring for internal
patient contamination and administering pharmaceuticals for internal decontamination.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
ESF #8-10 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex January 2008
y Assists State, tribal, and local officials in establishing a registry of potentially exposed
individuals, performing dose reconstruction, and conducting long-term monitoring of this
population for potential long-term health effects.
y Confidentially monitors blood and blood product supplies throughout the year using the
Blood Availability and Safety Information System as baseline data for ESF #8 activation.
y Liaisons with the AABB Interorganizational Task Force on Domestic Disasters and Acts of
Terrorism (i.e., AABB TF) to assist in logistical requirements and to coordinate a national
public blood announcement message for the need to donate.
y Monitors blood and blood product shortages and reserves, including the safety and
availability of the blood supply.
y Activates NDMS as necessary to support response operations.
y Evaluates requests for deployment or redeployment of the SNS and Federal Medical Stations
based upon relevant threat information.
y Coordinates public health and medical support, patient evacuation, and movement
requirements with other primary and supporting departments, agencies, and governments
throughout the incident.
y Assures the safety and security of food in coordination with other responsible Federal
agencies (e.g., USDA). In cooperation with State, tribal, and local officials, assesses
whether food manufacturing, food processing, food distribution, food service, and food retail
establishments in the affected area are able to provide safe and secure food.
y In cooperation with State, tribal, and local officials as well as the food industry, conducts
tracebacks or recalls of adulterated products.
y In cooperation with Federal, State, tribal, and local officials, ensures the proper disposal of
contaminated products and the decontamination of affected food facilities in order to protect
public health.
y Provides support for public health matters for radiological incidents as a member of the
Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health.
SUPPORT AGENCIES
Agency Functions
Department of
Agriculture
y If available, provides appropriate personnel, equipment, and supplies,
primarily for communications, aircraft, and the establishment of base camps
for deployed Federal public health and medical teams. Resources will be
assigned commensurate with each unit's level of training and the adequacy
and availability of equipment. ESF #4 – Firefighting or the USDA/Forest
Service Disaster and Emergency Operations Branch is the contact for this
support.
y Provides support for public health matters for radiological incidents as a
member of the Advisory Team for Environment, Food, and Health.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
January 2008 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex ESF #8-11
Agency Functions
Department of
Agriculture
(Continued)
USDA also supports a multiagency response to a domestic incident through:
y Provision of nutrition assistance.
y Control and eradication of an outbreak of a highly contagious or an
economically devastating animal disease.
y Assurance of food safety and security, in coordination with other responsible
Federal agencies, or any combination of these requirements.
y Provision of appropriate personnel, equipment, and supplies coordinated
through the APHIS Emergency Management Operations Center. Support is
primarily for coordinating disposal issues for animal carcasses resulting from
disease, protecting livestock animal health, reducing the potential for livestock
to transmit zoonotic diseases, and providing technical support and subjectmatter expertise for the safety and well-being of household pets.
Department of
Commerce
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration: Provides near real-time
transport, dispersion, and predictions of atmospheric releases of radioactive and
hazardous materials that may be used by authorities in taking protective actions
related to sheltering and evacuation of people.
Department of
Defense
y Alerts DOD NDMS Federal Coordinating Centers (FCCs) (Army, Navy, Air Force)
and provides specific reporting/regulating instructions to support incident relief
efforts.
y Alerts DOD NDMS FCCs to activate NDMS patient reception plans in a phased,
regional approach, and when appropriate, in a national approach.
y At the request of HHS, provides support for the evacuation of patients and
medical needs populations to locations where hospital care or outpatient
services are available.
y Using available DOD transportation resources, in coordination with the NDMS
Medical Interagency Coordination Group, evacuates and manages
victims/patients from the patient collection point in or near the incident site to
NDMS patient reception areas.
y Provides available logistical support to public health/medical response
operations.
y Provides available medical personnel for casualty clearing/staging and other
missions as needed including aero-medical evacuation and medical treatment.
Mobilizes and deploys available Reserve and National Guard medical units,
when authorized and necessary to provide support.
y Coordinates patient reception, tracking, and management to nearby NDMS
hospitals, VA hospitals, and DOD military treatment facilities that are available
and can provide appropriate care.
y Provides available military medical personnel to assist ESF #8 in the protection
of public health (such as food, water, wastewater, solid waste disposal,
vectors, hygiene, and other environmental conditions).
y Provides available veterinary military personnel to assist ESF #8 personnel in
the medical treatment of animals.
y Provides available DOD medical supplies for distribution to mass care centers
and medical care locations being operated for incident victims with
reimbursement to DOD.
y Provides available emergency medical support to assist State, tribal, or local
officials within the disaster area and the surrounding vicinity. Such services
may include triage, medical treatment, mental health support, and the use of
surviving DOD medical facilities within or near the incident area.
y Provides assistance, as available, in managing human remains, including victim
identification and mortuary affairs and temporary internment of the dead.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
ESF #8-12 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex January 2008
Agency Functions
y Provides evaluation and risk management support through use of Defense
Coordinating Officers, Emergency Preparedness Liaison Officers, and Joint
Regional Medical Planners.
y Provides available blood products in coordination with HHS.
y Provides medical surveillance and laboratory diagnostics and confirmatory
testing in coordination with HHS.
Department of
Defense
(Continued)
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Through ESF #3 – Public Works and
Engineering, provides technical assistance, equipment, and supplies as required in
support of HHS to accomplish temporary restoration of damaged public utilities
affecting public health and medical facilities. In the event of a catastrophic mass
fatality incident, assists with the temporary interment of the dead.
y Coordinates Federal assets for external monitoring and decontamination
activities for radiological emergencies pursuant to criteria established by the
State(s) in conjunction with HHS.
y Provides, in cooperation with other Federal and State agencies, personnel and
equipment, including portal monitors, to support initial screening and provides
advice and assistance to State, tribal, and local personnel conducting
screening/decontamination of persons leaving a contaminated zone.
Radiological Assistance Program
y Provides regional resources (personnel, specialized equipment, and supplies)
to evaluate, control, and mitigate radiological hazards to workers and the
public.
y Provides limited assistance in the decontamination of victims.
y Assists State, tribal, or local officials in the monitoring and surveillance of the
incident area.
National Atmospheric Release Advisory Capability: Provides near real-time
transport, dispersion, and dose predictions of atmospheric releases of radioactive
and hazardous materials that may be used by authorities in taking protective
actions related to sheltering and evacuation of people.
Department of
Energy/National
Nuclear Security
Administration
Federal Radiological Monitoring and Assessment Center (FRMAC): Assists
public health and medical authorities in determining radiological dose information;
assists in providing coordinated gathering of environmental radiological information
and data; assists with consolidated data sample analyses, evaluations,
assessments, and interpretations; and provides technical information.
Department of
Homeland Security
y Provides communications support in coordination with ESF #2 –
Communications.
y Maintains situational awareness and the Common Operating Picture via the
Homeland Security Information Network.
y Assists in providing information/liaison with emergency management officials
in NDMS FCC areas.
y Identifies and arranges for use of DHS/U.S. Coast Guard (USCG) aircraft and
other assets in providing urgent airlift and other transportation support.
y Directs the Nuclear Incident Response Team (NIRT), when activated, and
ensures coordination of NIRT activities with the ESF primary agency and
designated coordinating agency under the Nuclear/Radiological Incident Annex.
y Through the Interagency Modeling and Atmospheric Assessment Center
(IMAAC), provides predictions of hazards associated with atmospheric releases
for use in emergency response. The IMAAC provides a single point for the
coordination and dissemination of Federal dispersion modeling and hazard
prediction products that represent the Federal position during an incident.
y Provides enforcement of international quarantines through DHS/USCG,
Customs and Border Protection, and Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
January 2008 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex ESF #8-13
Agency Functions
FEMA
y Provides logistical support for deploying ESF #8 medical elements required and
coordinates the use of mobilization centers/staging areas, transportation of
resources, use of disaster fuel contracts, emergency meals, potable water,
base camp services, supply and equipment resupply, and use of all national
contracts and interagency agreements managed by DHS for response
operations.
y Provides Total Asset Visibility through the use of Global Positioning System
(GPS) tracking services to enable visibility of ESF #8 resources through
mapping capabilities and reports.
y Assists in arranging transportation to support evacuating patients who are too
seriously ill or otherwise incapable of being evacuated in general evacuation
conveyances.
y Provides tactical communications support through Mobile Emergency Response
Support, inclusive of all types (i.e., deployable satellite and RF/radio
communications).

TheSearcher said:

Really? How so? Is someone forcing you to eat something?

I do get that the POTUS and VPOTUS are soft-pedalling the issues, but if you disagree with that, it doesn't mean you can't do what you feel you need to do. What they're NOT doing is instituting a COG protocol and going full dictator to try to lock things down. That would be a genuine shit sandwhich. No sugar, no chaser.

My feelings on all of this are ambivalent. In China, it's a true and abiding crisis, from multiple directions. Near China, it has spread, and is serious, but not the eruption that China is experiencing. It's made its way to Europe and here now, and while it's growing strongly, it's still not just going gangbusters.

Here in particular, in my experience and expectation, I thought there would be more obvious things to point to by now. Do any Americans here know anybody personally, or even Kevin-Bacon-6-Degrees away, that has this, let alone died of it? I don't, and in my industry we have many international ties, travelers with such ties. I find that curious.

My intention is not to be a polly, I just think that we're expecting something more dire, and when the POTUS didn't confirm that expectation we're wondering why. Personally, I'm trying to not take too many chances, and I'm prepping. The press conference doesn't change that either way, so if they want to play the "keep calm" card, then that's how it is.

Click to expand...

The problem is, by comparing this to the flu and stating that Americans just need to wash their hands, stay home when they’re sick, and cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough, you’re not equipping people with the right information to properly abstain from the virus. The message he sent to the average person was, “This is no big deal. Treat it like the flu.” Just as Americans were actually starting to prepare and store up items and take precautions, you’re now going to have thousands of people all over social media say that any level of preparedness is overreacting, and they’ll dismiss it as conspiracy theories held only by “nut case preppers.” He set our country backward by a couple of weeks.

I’m not saying he should have told everyone to stay home and avoid crowds, but certainly with spring break vacations coming up, he could have been a little more transparent about risk. Instead, I honestly just saw it as a means to keep things status quo. Meaning, keep everyone traveling, spending money, going to concerts and theme parks and St. Patty’s Day parades, and keep money in the stock markets and in the banks.

Jubilee on Earth said:

The problem is, by comparing this to the flu and stating that Americans just need to wash their hands, stay home when they’re sick, and cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough, you’re not equipping people with the right information to properly abstain from the virus. The message he sent to the average person was, “This is no big deal. Treat it like the flu.” Just as Americans were actually starting to prepare and store up items and take precautions, you’re now going to have thousands of people all over social media say that any level of preparedness is overreacting, and they’ll dismiss it as conspiracy theories held only by “nut case preppers.” He set our country backward by a couple of weeks.

I’m not saying he should have told everyone to stay home and avoid crowds, but certainly with spring break vacations coming up, he could have been a little more transparent about risk. Instead, I honestly just saw it as a means to keep things status quo. Meaning, keep everyone traveling, spending money, going to concerts and theme parks and St. Patty’s Day parades, and keep money in the stock markets and in the banks.

Click to expand...

You're not hugely wrong. But it wasn't a shit sandwich, either. And other communications from the administration are more direct, and if more needs to be done and said, it will be. But not in a state of panic.

I've got mixed feelings about the news conference. Still, I'd rather have Trump at the helm than any other person out there.

But it wasn't a shit sandwich, either.

Felt more like a Hail Mary pass in a football game to me.

im not sure what some expected him to say. you could tell he wasnt happy saying what he did. I think he was trying not to panic people, what did you want him to say? " Oh God Oh God Were all gonna die?" I beieve he let out what he could now, and really expect every other day to increase the warning, let people slowy know what is going on, instead of dumping it on everyone at once,

AlfaMan said:

https://www.fema.gov/pdf/emergency/nrf/nrf-esf-08.pdf

Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
January 2008 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex ESF #8-1
ESF Coordinator:
Department of Health and Human Services
Primary Agency:
Department of Health and Human Services
Support Agencies:
Department of Agriculture
Department of Commerce
Department of Defense
Department of Energy
Department of Homeland Security
Department of the Interior
Department of Justice
Department of Labor
Department of State
Department of Transportation
Department of Veterans Affairs
Environmental Protection Agency
General Services Administration
U.S. Agency for International Development
U.S. Postal Service
American Red Cross
INTRODUCTION
Purpose
Emergency Support Function (ESF) #8 – Public Health and Medical Services provides the
mechanism for coordinated Federal assistance to supplement State, tribal, and local resources
in response to a public health and medical disaster, potential or actual incidents requiring a
coordinated Federal response, and/or during a developing potential health and medical
emergency. The phrase “medical needs” is used throughout this annex. Public Health and
Medical Services include responding to medical needs associated with mental health, behavioral
health, and substance abuse considerations of incident victims and response workers. Services
also cover the medical needs of members of the “at risk” or “special needs” population
described in the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness Act and in the National Response
Framework (NRF) Glossary, respectively. It includes a population whose members may have
medical and other functional needs before, during, and after an incident.
Public Health and Medical Services includes behavioral health needs consisting of both mental
health and substance abuse considerations for incident victims and response workers and, as
appropriate, medical needs groups defined in the core document as individuals in need of
additional medical response assistance, and veterinary and/or animal health issues.
Scope
ESF #8 provides supplemental assistance to State, tribal, and local governments in the
following core functional areas:
y Assessment of public health/medical needs
y Health surveillance
y Medical care personnel
y Health/medical/veterinary equipment and supplies
y Patient evacuation
y Patient care
y Safety and security of drugs, biologics, and medical devices
y Blood and blood products
y Food safety and security
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
ESF #8-2 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex January 2008
y Agriculture safety and security
y All-hazard public health and medical consultation, technical assistance, and support
y Behavioral health care
y Public health and medical information
y Vector control
y Potable water/wastewater and solid waste disposal
y Mass fatality management, victim identification, and decontaminating remains
y Veterinary medical support
Policies
The Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS) leads all Federal public health and medical
response to public health emergencies and incidents covered by the NRF. The response
addresses medical needs and other functional needs of those in need of medical care, including
assistance or support in maintaining independence, communicating, using transportation,
and/or requiring supervision.
The Secretary of HHS shall assume operational control of Federal emergency public health and
medical response assets, as necessary, in the event of a public health emergency, except for
members of the Armed Forces, who remain under the authority and control of the Secretary of
Defense.
The Secretary of HHS, through the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and
Response (ASPR), coordinates national ESF #8 preparedness, response, and recovery actions.
These actions do not alter or impede the existing authorities of any department or agency
supporting ESF #8.
HHS coordinates all ESF #8 response actions consistent with HHS internal policies and
procedures (e.g., HHS Concept of Operations Plan for Public Health and Medical Emergencies,
and the National Disaster Medical System (NDMS) Four Partner Memorandum of Agreement).
ESF #8 support agencies are responsible for maintaining administrative control over their
respective response resources after receiving coordinating instructions from HHS.
The Emergency Management Group (EMG), operating from the HHS Secretary’s Operations
Center (SOC), coordinates the overall national ESF #8 response for the ASPR and maintains
constant communications with the National Operations Center (NOC).
All headquarters and regional organizations (including those involved in other ESFs)
participating in response operations report public health and medical requirements to the
appropriate ESF #8 representative operating in the National Response Coordination Center
(NRCC), the Regional Response Coordination Center (RRCC), or the Joint Field Office (JFO)
when activated.
The Joint Information Center (JIC) will be established to coordinate incident-related public
information, and is authorized to release general medical and public health response
information to the public. When possible, a recognized spokesperson from the public health
and medical community (State, tribal, or local) delivers relevant community messages. After
consultation with HHS, the lead Public Affairs Officer from other JICs may also release general
medical and public health response information.
Emergency Support Function #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex
January 2008 ESF #8 – Public Health and Medical Services Annex ESF #8-3
In the event of a zoonotic disease outbreak and in coordination with ESF #11 – Agriculture and
Natural Resources, public information may be released after consultation with the Department
of Agriculture (USDA). In the event of an oil, chemical, biological, or radiological environmental
contamination incident, ESF #8 coordinates with ESF #10 – Oil and Hazardous Materials
Response on the release of public health information.
As the lead agency for ESF #8, HHS determines the appropriateness of all requests for release
of public health and medical information and is responsible for consulting with and organizing
Federal public health and medical subject-matter experts,as needed.

Click to expand...

Marsh, some others and I wonder if it isn't time to start digging into what exactly the emergency protocols will permit different offices/agencies to commandeer... I think we've gotten a good sense of what lies ahead...pandemic that will be at our own doors, literally--- or, perhaps with the grace of god will not hit our own communities, but will many other American communities. ... with as much as 70% infection rate, 20% critical, 10% death... gah! maybe only 3-5% death rate... but the basics remain the same things we've always known...i think.

I think that by him putting the vice president in charge shows a real serious stance ..and second we are on a prepper group .so most of us should have most of what we would need for this ..third he is trying give out info with out sending the populuse into a panic which runs into a run on market
.and that banks and grocery stores.i have repacked my get home bag for this..I already had the masks as it is a basic on hand thing to have .all I am looking at is the last day I go to work