[oldalum]

The initial response by local public health officers imposing restrictions on movement etc. seems justifiable and necessary as an emergency response by experts to a new and poorly understood pathogen. Almost 9 months later, I think it actually serves Cody et al. poorly, as well as the public, to have them be solely in charge of the public health aspects of the pandemic response. Our elected officials have had plenty of time to get up to speed on the virus, infection rates, prevention measures, treatment, demographics, etc. It seems to me that they should be making the decisions at this point, informed by the advice of their public health professionals, much as is ostensibly happening at the state level.

[oldalum]

The initial response by local public health officers imposing restrictions on movement etc. seems justifiable and necessary as an emergency response by experts to a new and poorly understood pathogen. Almost 9 months later, I think it actually serves Cody et al. poorly, as well as the public, to have them be solely in charge of the public health aspects of the pandemic response. Our elected officials have had plenty of time to get up to speed on the virus, infection rates, prevention measures, treatment, demographics, etc. It seems to me that they should be making the decisions at this point, informed by the advice of their public health professionals, much as is ostensibly happening at the state level.