YouTube has taken down a video of two doctors from Bakersfield, California, who held a press conference calling for the reopening of the country. According to the Google-owned video platform, the doctors “violated community guidelines.”
The doctors, Dan Erickson and Artin Massihi, operate out of an urgent care clinic in Bakersfield. Citing fatality statistics in California, the doctors argued that the Chinese virus has proven less deadly than anticipated.
“We have 39.5 million people, if we just take a basic calculation and extrapolate that out, that equates to about 4.7 million cases throughout the state of California,” said Dr. Erickson. “Which means this thing is widespread, that’s the good news. We’ve seen 1,227 deaths in the state of California with a possible incidents or prevalence of 4.7 million. That means you have a 0.03 chance of dying from COVID-19 in the state of California.”
The doctors made their case in a 50-minute press conference, which was uploaded to YouTube. The Google-owned video platform has since taken the video down, replacing it with a message stating that the content violated its community guidelines.
Top Iranian officials stroll Tehran streets at rally before midday explosion
Florida Republicans send SAVE Act–style proof-of-citizenship voting bill to DeSantis’ desk
Iran war enters next phase of destroying entire missile supply chain: Hegseth
Democrat Rep Josh Riley blasted as ‘hypocrite’ over ties to energy firm he criticizes on campaign trail
BREAKING: University of Virginia Hit With Bomb Threat Triggering Evacuations
Sheriff warns Nancy Guthrie suspect could ‘absolutely’ strike again, hints at motive
Old Dominion University ROTC cadets disarm ISIS supporter shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ during shooting: officials
As NYC Considers a $30 Minimum Wage, Business Owners Are Warning About the Consequences
Michigan Synagogue Attack Suspect Identified as Lebanese Immigrant with an Axe to Grind
Hollywood Publication Variety Trashes Stephen Colbert’s Never-Ending, Anti-Trump Farewell Tour: ‘Not Very Good TV’
New Iranian supreme leader ‘likely disfigured,’ Hegseth says
Iran conflict could be push GOP needs for 2nd ‘big, beautiful bill’
GOP senator earns Dem backlash for ‘enemy is inside the gates’ comment about NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Two shootings intensify DHS standoff as GOP warns of rising terror threats
The president brands his own healthcare reform
23ABC News Bakersfield, the news station that uploaded the video, confirmed that the first part of the press conference is no longer available on YouTube. The news station said it has submitted an appeal to YouTube but has yet to hear back.
In the video, which has been reuploaded to other channels as well as to other video-hosting platforms, Dr. Erickson said that the focus on the coronavirus was drawing medical resources away from other urgent problems.
The Second part of the briefing is still available on the 23ABC News Bakerfield account:
“When I talk to E.R. physicians around the country, what’s happening? Well because COVID has become the focus, people with heart disease, people with cancer, hypertension, and various things that are critical are choosing not to come in based on fear. So what that’s doing is forcing the healthcare system to focus on COVID and not focus on a myriad of other things that are critical.”
Top Iranian officials stroll Tehran streets at rally before midday explosion
Florida Republicans send SAVE Act–style proof-of-citizenship voting bill to DeSantis’ desk
Iran war enters next phase of destroying entire missile supply chain: Hegseth
Democrat Rep Josh Riley blasted as ‘hypocrite’ over ties to energy firm he criticizes on campaign trail
BREAKING: University of Virginia Hit With Bomb Threat Triggering Evacuations
Sheriff warns Nancy Guthrie suspect could ‘absolutely’ strike again, hints at motive
Old Dominion University ROTC cadets disarm ISIS supporter shouting ‘Allahu Akbar’ during shooting: officials
As NYC Considers a $30 Minimum Wage, Business Owners Are Warning About the Consequences
Michigan Synagogue Attack Suspect Identified as Lebanese Immigrant with an Axe to Grind
Hollywood Publication Variety Trashes Stephen Colbert’s Never-Ending, Anti-Trump Farewell Tour: ‘Not Very Good TV’
New Iranian supreme leader ‘likely disfigured,’ Hegseth says
Iran conflict could be push GOP needs for 2nd ‘big, beautiful bill’
GOP senator earns Dem backlash for ‘enemy is inside the gates’ comment about NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani
Two shootings intensify DHS standoff as GOP warns of rising terror threats
The president brands his own healthcare reform
The doctors’ comments have been criticized by the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM).
“The American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the American Academy of Emergency Medicine (AAEM) jointly and emphatically condemn the recent opinions released by Dr. Daniel Erickson and Dr. Artin Massihi. These reckless and untested musings do not speak for medical societies and are inconsistent with current science and epidemiology regarding COVID-19.”
Story cited here.
