The Plague Year: America in the Time of Covid

by Lawrence Wright

The following day he had a conference call with governors around the country, reporting progress on the creation of a vaccine and therapeutics. “We’re marshalling the full power of the federal government,” he said. “We’re backing you one hundred percent.” Then he explained what he actually meant. “We’re backing you in terms of equipment and getting what you need. Also, though, respirators, ventilators, all the equipment—try getting it yourselves. We will be backing you but try getting it yourselves….Much more direct.” It took a moment for this to sink in. Most governors had assumed that, just as in the event of a natural disaster—a hurricane or a forest fire—the federal government would rush to help. Federal agencies would be enlisted. FEMA would swing into action. The doors of the national stockpile would be thrown open and emergency equipment would be quickly dispersed. The governors had become aware of the shortages that might endanger the lives of their citizens—not enough ventilators, N95 masks, nasal swabs—vital weapons in the war against this virus. They expected the president to invoke the Defense Production Act, forcing private industry to produce whatever was needed. Surely, there was a national plan.