"Sign it, or not?"
Fauci held a few thin copies of the "Pandemic Emergency Response Plan" in his hand, his brow furrowed deeply.
On the cover of the first plan were the words "Shortage of Medical Supplies and Equipment," a "welcome gift" from the Office of Emergency Management, like cold nails stabbing into his eyes.
The virus raged like an invisible specter, not only pushing countless healthcare workers to the brink of exhaustion but also devouring medical supplies and equipment at unprecedented speed.
Masks and protective suits, these ordinary consumables, now had demand tens or even hundreds of times the usual.
Meanwhile, ventilators, "artificial lungs," dialysis machines, and other expensive equipment were in urgent need.
The most critical shortage right now was "artificial lungs." When patients lost their ability to breathe, it could replace the failing heart and lungs, buying the immune system precious time to recover.
