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For me, the biggest failure of leadership (on all levels) is a lack of effort put forth to data collection, science, and decision support for the population.
When this is all over with, we'll likely learn that there was not much we could have done to slow it down or stop it. Sure, maybe some bad decisions were made, but we were getting overrun by the virus no matter what.
We're three months in, and we still don't definitively know:
- Whether it can spread via surfaces easily
- How realistic the odds are that one can catch it from an asymptomatic carrier
- Whether it can spread via HVAC
- What the risk levels of indoor vs. outdoor are
- What heat, humidity, and sunlight really do to the virus
- Whether or not children are viable carriers/spreaders of the virus, and to what extent?
All of these could have been figured out with some effort. Perhaps we could have taken the $50 million (or whatever) we gave Ruth's Chris via the PPP loan and build a lab specifically to test these things. Or just a billion of the trillions we are pumping into the stock market via the fed.
That's more important than anything. People are having to start making decisions balancing our livelihoods and mental health against our the physical risk of the virus. And we have almost zero reliable, definitive information to guide those decisions.
For example we have to make the decision on sending our toddler back to day care soon. Watching him 4 days a week while I try to work is not really workable long-term. But my wife and I are completely paralyzed in making a decision because we have absolutely no idea what level of risk that presents. There are articles with some presumptive data showing that kids don't really spread it. Then there are other experts saying that's not true.
We should already have this information. But we're relying on various subpar studies and "experts" from France, Korea, and China to tell us our business. As a country, we used to lead on that front. That really sucks.
We are flying blind, and we don't have to be.
At the end of the day, you do you.
I know my girls. I know my oldest will do what is required, my youngest thinks she will live forever, regardless of what is in front of her. We have been quite strict about this whole ordeal, ridiculed at times for seemingly "over-protective" by others.
Welp, the moment my wife gave birth, my main purpose on this planet was to nurture, raise and protect my children. Everything else comes in second. If that means i have to be an arse at times, so be it. If that means i have to endure some glares or ridicule, so be it. I truly dont give two shirts about what people think. ( people being acquaintences vs true friends, because those are the ones casting comments etc ) .
My wife is asst director of a mothers-day-out program. Scheduled to open for summer on 6/8. She will not be working thru summer. There is absolutely ZERO chance that they are able to maintain 3 yr olds 6 ft apart, keeping masked and adhering to other guidelines. The other aspect is the parents- some have NO QUALMS about sending kid(s) with fever. Think that will change? ? nope. 99.9? Well, aint 100.4 sooo off you go.
I get the need for balance in everyones lives. But at some point, we parents have to take it upon ourselves to do whats right for our kids ( and by virtue, others as well ).
I dont know exactly what is right for everyone. I just know what feels right for my girls. I cant project that out to others. I can only offer up the advice that you know your children, you know your circumstances and hope you are able to make the right decision for you, your wife and family.
So many external factors at play. ( societal factors - you mentioned before- dont register, lose spot, waiting list etc ) It all just freakin stinks.
!@#!@# you China.