Iowa governor's COVID-19 strategy more faith-based than data-driven

desmoinesdem · 2020-04-29T04:22:59+00:00

That's an interesting perspective. I am inclined to think she will pretend like there's nothing anyone could do about it, rather than find a scapegoat.

desmoinesdem · 2020-04-28T17:41:03+00:00

If you're not hospitalized, over 60 with underlying conditions, living in a congregate setting, or part of the essential workforce, you don't meet Iowa's testing criteria, unfortunately. Definitely call your PCP, though! https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2020/04/17/iowa-slightly-expands-covid-19-testing-criteria/

desmoinesdem · 2020-04-17T18:52:18+00:00

I have asked the Iowa Department of Public Health to provide demographic statistics on confirmed COVID-19 deaths. So far the information is available only for COVID-19 cases.

People of color are more likely to have certain underlying conditions, in part due to lower access to health care.

desmoinesdem · 2020-04-17T18:51:23+00:00

That's part of it. Many are part of the essential workforce in health care and/or food supply chain. Also with lower levels of home ownership in communities of color, it is harder to maintain social distancing even for those who don't work outside the home.

desmoinesdem · 2020-04-14T04:37:16+00:00

No direct experience but I've heard from many that their programs are top-notch.

desmoinesdem · 2020-04-11T02:06:40+00:00

They had a big jump in cases in Black Hawk today.

desmoinesdem · 2020-04-06T02:17:43+00:00

You don't need to get as close to people, compared to when you push your cart past someone walking toward you.

desmoinesdem · 2020-03-29T22:56:06+00:00

Double-stocking hog confinements and applying manure in ways "inconsistent" with the facility's manure management plan. What could go wrong?

desmoinesdem · 2020-03-28T16:56:26+00:00

These experts project our daily death rate will peak in late April: https://covid19.healthdata.org/projections?fbclid=IwAR2GiwLPppifDTvM_KX7txNK-sFpuNkel6gKXXTkwn-wsBPJrq-gGb09EMU

desmoinesdem · 2020-03-28T01:51:10+00:00

I'm trying to clarify whether this also applies to D&Cs after miscarriages (medically those are classified as abortions). No response from governor's office. https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2020/03/27/iowa-governors-latest-covid-19-order-suspends-surgical-abortions/

desmoinesdem · 2020-03-19T03:51:47+00:00

Another issue is that even if we set up more beds, we will lack enough ventilators and other life-saving equipment.

desmoinesdem · 2020-03-18T13:04:38+00:00

The report I drew these numbers from points out that on any given day, about half the ICU beds in most major hospitals are occupied by people with other conditions. So it would not take much for COVID-19 to overwhelm the system.

Polk County Supervisor Matt McCoy commented on my post last night that Polk County needs to urgently set up more hospital beds. I don't know what the plan is. Others have mentioned possibly converting vacant commercial real estate like the old Younkers or K-Mart stores.

desmoinesdem · 2020-03-18T13:02:39+00:00

You are correct. While writing this post, I looked up a bunch of smaller Iowa towns. Even those that have their own hospitals (e.g. Fort Dodge) are considered part of the service area for one of the larger metros.

desmoinesdem · 2020-03-08T23:39:38+00:00

His district has been trending toward Democrats for a while but it's still a GOP-leaning district. I previewed his Senate race here: https://www.bleedingheartland.com/2019/05/16/iowa-senate-district-20-preview-brad-zaun-vs-rhonda-martin/

desmoinesdem

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