THREAD: My (very unsolicited) messaging guidance (based on publicly available information) on COVID for the Trump campaign’s debates and appearances, from someone who has managed the response to a crisis or two over the course of her career:

1. Over the past seven months, more than 7.5 million Americans have received positive results to a coronavirus test. Last week, President Trump & several members of his official and campaign teams became part of that 7.5 million.

2. Nearly everyone on official and campaign teams is asymptomatic, and those who aren’t only have mild symptoms. These days, we know more and are better able to treat patients safely. We are also able to quickly isolate those who have been infected to prevent the spread of virus.

3. Among those who were infected, President Trump experienced the most pronounced symptoms. As a precaution, president’s medical team urged him to seek temporary care at Walter Reed, where he received world class treatment that aggressively fought virus & managed its symptoms.

4. The president’s symptoms remained mild & manageable. At one point during his 3-day hospitalization, he received a small amount of oxygen therapy at the direction of his medical team. He was administered therapeutics as an early intervention to prevent worsening of symptoms.

5. Despite uninformed media speculation to the contrary, all of the president’s treatments were well within the normal treatment plan for a COVID-19 patient, and most are standard medicines administered for a respiratory illness. (1/2)

5, cont. Americans who are prescribed similar treatment plans should have full confidence in their doctors making these recommendations. It is important to emphasize that at no point did he experience side effects related to his treatment plan. (2/2)

6. After 3 days of care, president’s doctors cleared him to leave the hospital, believing his symptoms were well-managed and could be treated and monitored just as effectively at home in WH. His discharge was okayed by team of medical professionals actually overseeing his care.

7. President & his admin continue to take all measures necessary to isolate infected individuals and prevent further spread of COVID-19. Testing & tracing remain important parts of this effort to protect not only those on his team, but also those with whom they come in contact.

8. It is important to remember not everyone exposed to coronavirus will be infected, and among those who are, nearly all will experience mild or no symptoms. (1/2)

8, cont. But for the small minority who experience moderate or severe symptoms, COVID-19 can be very scary. And because it is still so new, the anxiety many feel about the virus is certainly understandable. (2/2)

9. For some, COVID-19 is a life-threatening illness. To date, more than 200,000 of our fellow Americans have died from this virus. Even one life lost is too many. (/1/2)

9, cont. And that vast majority of people will survive exposure & infection does not diminish tremendous suffering these individuals & their families have endured as a result of this disease. We will not forget those we have lost, and in their honor, will not stop fighting. (2/2)

10. We continue to adapt our policies and public health guidance to prevent spread of and improve treatment of the disease. We must work together to protect ourselves and each other by abiding by all public health guidelines, such as mask-wearing, social distancing and testing.

11. We are approaching closer to approval of a safe, effective vaccine that has been thoroughly tested. We are so grateful to America’s medical innovators who have sacrificed so much to create this vaccine. It will be an important part of returning to “normal life."

12. We are also grateful to the medical professionals around the country who have worked so hard in such difficult circumstances to treat those infected with COVID-19, as well as those needing routine medical care during a pandemic. We will not forget their patriotism.

13. While we must continue to be careful, lockdowns of specific parts of society are no longer justified, especially schools. We are only exacerbating the economic pains Americans are facing. We must continue safely reopening the country while adhering to public health guidance.

14. Finally, the president’s COVID-19 diagnosis does not prevent him from doing the job he was elected to do, and it does not preclude him from campaigning once medically cleared to do so. (1/2)

14, cont. After experiencing COVID-19 firsthand, we are more mindful than ever of how steps can be taken to safeguard everyone’s health. With this knowledge and continued input from public health professionals, we will ensure all work and campaigning are done in a safe way. (2/2)

15. To all those who have prayed or sent well wishes to the president and his team, we thank you. Your support has provided such encouragement during a challenging time, and it won’t be forgotten. (etc. etc.)

/fin