We need to see the data

It's commendable that Gov. Kim Reynolds has enacted a growing number of closures for COVID-19. And I am glad that she is trying to base her decisions on science and numbers rather than emotion and denial. But what I don't know is what are the standards she and her advisers are applying to the situation? As we've seen so many times, the crisis starts slowly but there is a steady, exponential acceleration. In every interview I've seen from the current hot spots the warning is the same - don't wait! Apparently there is no such thing as too soon. Wanting to preserve the economy is understandable but how comforting will that be if the infections and deaths really soar? The measures taken so far in Iowa have been good, but the time for shelter-in-place is right now while these numbers are still low.

Bryan Davis

Cedar Rapids