Thread by @AbdulElSayed

A challenge w/ #COVID is that panic, itself, is contagious—an “infodemic.”

Without strong, evidence-driven leadership, local leaders default to the most stringent policies.

We’re seeing this at all levels—from banning travel from Europe to shutting down schools.

Thread:

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For example, School closures MAY be right, but we don’t have any evidence; & they could do harm:

1) healthcare workers who are needed on the front lines have to scramble for care

2) it forces seniors—at most risk—to care for kids.

3) tons of kids rely on school lunches.

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AND we know that kids actually have low risk of serious #COVID. Only 2.4% of all cases in one study.

Rather than make policy specific to #COVID, ppl are borrowing policy from other infectious epidemics, like flu, which is super deadly for kids.

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washingtonpost.com/health/2020/03…

But you can also appreciate the pressure policymakers face to do this.

As soon as one leader does something, they set a standard that ppl can point to as a “reasonable” response—even if there’s not yet evidence.

It’s hard to be the only one who stands down.

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All of this points to why we need strong federal leadership. It sets standards for local responses, guidelines that empower local leaders by protecting them from the “infodemic” and sifting through the best available science to empower them.

But that’s missing in action rn.

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So, we’ll likely keep seeing snowballing local and state policy responses as the virus spreads and local officials are left to decide what to do in the face of increasing pressure to “do something.”

But let’s not forget, these policies have complex consequences.

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Now, what is clear is that it is absolutely KEY that ALL OF US follow the guidelines of public health officials and leaders right now. It’s KEY to protecting the vulnerable.

A big part is giving leaders the space to get it right rather than allow panic to force their hand.

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