There is a question regarding the origin of a quote about remaining silent and thought to be a fool versus speaking and removing all doubt. In his haste to discredit Donald Trump, letter-writer Robert J. Reiland (“Trump’s leadership not reassuring,” March 25, TribLIVE) displays his ignorance of virology and laboratory testing. Dr. Anthony Fauci is a “lion” in the world of virology and in the construction and application of confirmatory testing. He’s on the case.
I believe the U.S. probably now leads the world in the understanding of a viral strain that rudely has thrust itself upon the world. And, according to Fauci, “there are things we do not yet know about the current strain of the coronavirus.”
As for laboratory tests, there are screening tests, presumptive tests, specific tests and confirmatory tests. In the application of laboratory testing, one would use what’s available until a more specific or confirmatory test is ready for use.
If Reiland is a verifiable expert in coronavirus testing, I would encourage him to come forward and help win one for “the Gipper.”
Joseph G. Cremonese
Hempfield