Corporations seem to be reacting to public discourse.
Locally, the Assembly met for hours in a special meeting on Sunday. The subject was how to insist that people isolate after arriving here. (Stats: 30 000 people in town, hospital has a couple of isolation rooms and 10 ventilators, testing is very limited). The discussion was difficult. One of the exemptions of the rule passed that day was for mines. We have two large mines and quite a few of the workers fly in and out for two week shifts.
Even though the Assembly exempted the mines, one set up isolation the next day and the second one took action this week. The workers have been directed to go from the plane to a nearby hotel, be isolated for 14 days, then work for 14 days. I suggest seeing the public radio news if you want more details.
Nationally, just saw a headline that Gilead Sciences has declined “Rare Disease” status. Maybe you had read that the US Food and Drug Administration had given this status to remsdiver, an experimental treatment for coronavirus. Also known as “orphan drug”, the status gives tax breaks, fee waivers, and seven years protection from generic competition.
People spoke up against the status with stories, statements, and preparing a petition. I’m glad to see this.