The Next Coronavirus Challenge: Balancing Safety and Quality of Life

Neanderthal thinking” is spreading. But it’s not spreading evenly, and that can be a problem.

Texas and Mississippi stood alone earlier this month when President Joe Biden famously accused their governors of caveman-like ignorance for dropping their mask mandates and other state and local emergency coronavirus orders,  but, they have plenty of company. 

Currently, seventeen  states have no statewide mask mandate. But not every jurisdiction in those states is on board. 

Local officials do not always agree with state decisions, and they too can exercise some degree of control over the lives of our citizens. Indeed, local officials working in public health, education and other fields often play a decisive role on the ground.  

In many states, the big issue is whether or not to fully reopen schools and businesses.