Governor Kim Reynolds is acting in her own political interest and not for the state of Iowa, or this community, to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19 in the state of Iowa.
We are asking Mayor John Haila and the Ames City Council to act immediately and issue a shelter-in-place order. This would include a mandatory shut down of non-essential services and businesses, with few exceptions for others to remain open. The lack of adequate testing throughout the state and nation coupled with the outbreaks in Johnson and Polk Counties give Ames precious little time to act now. Coupled with the dismal national response and Governor Reynolds dithering on closing schools and kicking public health decisions down the road, this city cannot look to the state government or public health agency for guidance. As citizens we are not willing to put the health our loved ones in continual jeopardy with this delay.
Our healthcare system depends on flattening the curve. Our lives, especially those who are older, immunocompromised or with co-morbid medical conditions, depend on the Ames city leaders taking immediate action now. Anything less will not be looked upon favorably during the next election cycle!
