BRAZOS COUNTY, TX — As the United States death toll surpasses 120,000, a Texas A&M doctor is calling for a bipartisan investigation regarding the nation's response to the pandemic.
Experts from Texas A&M are saying there needs to be a COVID-19 commission to address preparedness.
"We are going to need, at the right time away to really analyze what has happened, what did we do, what did we not do well in response to the COVID-19 pandemic but more importantly where do we go in the future," says Dr. Gerald Parker, Director of Pandemic and Biosecurity Policy Program at Texas A&M.
While COVID-19 won't be the last pandemic to enter the states, a full analysis of the nation's and state's response is crucial for the next pandemic.
“When I proposed a pandemic commission analogous to that, I’m not only referring to what just happened since December and January, since this COVID. I think we also need to go back and take a look at our preparedness efforts beforehand...go back to really the last 20 years,” says Dr. Parker.
The Brazos Valley sees a lot of people traveling to and from the area, which holds great concern when dealing with the pandemic.
Especially with the people who are vulnerable in the community.
“With people that are more elderly you want to talk to them first always before coming on the property, make contact with them, and then we will isolate ourselves from you because some people are concerned that way," explains Danny Hitchcock.
Due to the mounting number of positive COVID-19 cases, the current environment is concerning for those who must travel for their line of work
“College Station, we are a little more concerned," says Hitchcock. "I don’t think you can take extra precautions but we are taking the precautions we have to utmost concern for people's safety.”
Dr. Parker says that as we continue to open the economy, and we see students returning for the fall semester, practicing social distancing and wearing face masks will make a difference.
“We have to take on our individual responsibility to avoid getting others sick, avoid getting sick ourselves, and if we can do that we’re going to slow the transmission of the virus in our own community."
As of right now, there is no vaccine for the coronavirus but clinical trials are in phases two, and three look promising.