Failed leadership on COVID

Editor:

The scientists at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) believe we need to take extra precautions to slow the spread of COVID-19 (especially its delta variant). Such precautions include having vaccinated individuals wear masks inside crowded locations where the spread of the coronavirus is high and mandating masks for schools.

On the other hand, our governor, a politician attempting to mimic a certain former president, thinks that she is smarter than all those scientists. However, her track record for responding successfully to this pandemic does not instill confidence in her judgment.

The Democratic leader of the Iowa Senate, Zach Wahls, had this to say:

"Because of the governor's failed leadership, positive cases and hospitalizations are steadily rising, and more than 6,000 Iowans have died from COVID-19. It’s time for the governor to start showing the leadership necessary to protect the lives of Iowans, especially unvaccinated children.”

Unfortunately, our governor is not even capable of providing Iowa with a functioning state Board of Health. The state Board of Health is mandated to be bipartisan, but the governor refuses to appoint any Democrats, leaving it unable to meet because it lacks a quorum. In addition, the Department of Public Health has not had a full-time director for a year.

We continue to learn more about this virus and its delta variant. In addition, conditions continue to change. Scientists are experienced at adapting to new knowledge and changing conditions. When it comes to a deadly virus, we Democrats place our faith in the experts — not someone trying to score political points.

Jeff Fager

Henry County Democrats