I have become increasingly critical of South Dakota governor @govkrisinoem & Dept of Health @SDDOH & about how they’re managing SD response to CoV pandemic.
It’s easy to criticize from my comfortable chair, But WHAT WOULD I DO if I were in charge?
THE MOTHER OF ALL THREADS …
It’s easy to criticize from my comfortable chair, But WHAT WOULD I DO if I were in charge?
THE MOTHER OF ALL THREADS …
The first thing I would do is acknowledge that the greatest, present threat to South Dakotans is the coronavirus pandemic. Controlling its spread is the key to safely opening businesses and schools, and getting closer to our new normal.
I would acknowledge that I need help. I would surround myself with serious, smart people with a passion for helping all citizens of SD. I need sound advice, not opinions. Tell me the data, the fact and the science. Challenge me. Push me to do better.
I would establish an advisory group of medical, scientific, and policy experts. South Dakota is full of brilliant experts in a range of relevant areas and I know they would be happy to help. We will build a team. I will listen to them.
I will listen to the people of SD. I will be empathetic & compassionate. I’ll do what I can to meet the most pressing needs of greatest # of people. I will ask that citizens listen to our advice, recommendations and rules. They’re for the benefit of you, your family & community.
I will soundly reject the notion that when we ask you to make effort and sacrifice to the benefit of our communities that this somehow impinges on your freedom. We are facing a public health crisis unlike anything we’ve encountered in our lifetimes. I’ll expect better or you.
I will ask you to wear a face covering and I will expect you to do so. If you won’t, I’ll mandate it. I will reject your complaints and absurd claims about why you can’t or won’t. Of course there may be rare exceptions; they will be accommodated.
I will lead by example. You will see me wearing my mask everywhere I go. If you genuinely don’t understand the evidence that justifies my insistence that we all wear masks I will be patient with you and explain it until you understand. You will want to wear a mask.
I will view COVID-19 as a preventable disease. I will talk about the great costs and losses it has brought on our state. I’ll talk about those who have died from COVID-19. They are our family members. I will demand we work tirelessly to stop the virus the devastation it brings.
I will empower Dept of Health to run independently of Governor’s office. There’s no place for politics in public health. I’ll expect DoH to take the lead in communicating with South Dakotans re pandemic. Those with bias or agenda outside the mission of DoH can find another job.
I will expect DoH to focus on clear communication and education. The should work closely with the health & science advisory group to identify best metrics of virus activity and best way to provide info to communities. Maximize transparency and clarity. Answer questions.
I will expect DoH to be aggressive and nimble re testing and contact tracing in SD. They will be open about limitations of testing. They will adapt quickly to clusters and outbreaks, moving testing machines as needed. I will call upon National Guard for logistical help as needed.
I will expect DoH, to the fullest extent possible, to more directly partner with private health care system in SD. We have several large, prestigious HC systems in SD that I know would cooperate in the battle to control virus spread. Same goals, same team.
I will insist that DoH & local HC systems work with nursing homes, assisted-living facilities and other congregate elder care facilities to halt outbreaks that affect the most vulnerable among us. I will push for pooled, daily testing of facility staff. Use imagination.
I will listen to businesses that claim hardship due to the virus & the restrictions we are facing to push it out of our daily lives. I get it. I will ask that for every one complaint you raise that you offer two pragmatic solutions. I’ll do what I can to find workable solutions.
We received over $1 billion to spend on the effort to confront the challenges of the virus! I will establish a program to provide micro-grants to small businesses in need of making upgrades & accommodations that will reduce the risks to employees & customers. Use imagination.
I will listen to teachers, coaches, school administrators & parents re the challenges & concerns about resumption of school this fall. This is a vital & pressing issue of paramount importance. Like everything else, success here depends on success in how we control the virus.
I will focus on the largest school districts first as they are at greatest risk. I will work with the Dept of Education and other relevant experts. Schools open in just a matter of weeks so we’re short on time. There are few easy answers and many hard choices.
I will mandate masks be worn at all times at school & during school activities. Again there will be rare, case-by-case exceptions. I’ll push districts to focus on remote learning, and simultaneously work to have in-person school for those for whom remote learning is not feasible.
I will acknowledge that remote learning is far less desirable than in-person education. But we are in the throes of a pandemic. When we have sufficiently controlled spread of the virus in our communities we will be able to safely resume the desired school experience.
I will ask districts to accommodate students who have special needs or who are at risk in other ways if they cannot come to school. If enough parents/students will adopt remote option school will be safer for those who must attend in person.
I will understand that many parents simply cannot provide proper & safe supervision of young students at home during the school day. I will ask schools to accommodate these students if feasible & to work with parent groups to create school pods outside of school. Use imagination.
But again, schools must be prepared from the beginning to provide full, remote education to all students. If schools are opened without mask mandates, exposure pods, clear distancing rules, and ventilation modifications, outbreaks and closures are inevitable.
I will allocate funds to schools to make modification to physical layouts and HVAC systems to maximize safety to those students, faculty and staff who must work inside. We’ve had months to address this. This is now a sprint, not a marathon. Delay start dates if necessary.
I will allocate funds to schools to make modification to physical layouts and HVAC systems to maximize safety to those students, faculty and staff who must work inside. We’ve had months to address this. This is now a sprint, not a marathon. Delay start dates if necessary.
I will acknowledge that I do not have all the answers, that I don’t even know all the questions. I will strive to learn new information every day, adapt to new findings, change my mind as I learn more, and modify goals and plans as necessary. I will communicate.
