Hunter
02/08/21
The lifting of the mask mandate by Governor Kim Reynolds has resulted in nationwide criticism.
CNN reported that while the nationwide 7-day moving average positivity rate was down to 7.6%, Iowa’s was over three times that, at 24.6 percent.
KGAN TV cited Dr. Ali Mokdad, an epidemiologist at the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation at the University of Washington. He doesn’t believe that hospitals will go back to overflowing in the state due to the governor’s actions, but says there still will be consequences. He said that if nearly all Americans would wear a mask through the end of May, 40,000 lives could be saved. He also said Reynolds’ mandate led to increased mask usage, and predicts many will stop now that it’s no longer required. That will have psychological impact on those who have lost loved ones.
Dr. Mokdad adds that the lack of a mask mandate puts undue stress on those that are more susceptible to COVID-19 infection. He says simply that wearing a mask will “save lives, save loved ones, and save our economy.”
State senator Liz Mathis tells the station that death seems to have become insignificant to people not affected by the virus.
A number of cities and counties, including Iowa City, Coralville, North Liberty and Cedar Rapids, as well as Johnson County, have put out releases confirming that their mask mandates remain in place. Iowa City’s mandate is in effect through May, while Coralville’s is currently in effect through April 15th.
In last week’s proclamation, the governor said Iowans should continue to practice public health measures.