In The Moment ... April 9, 2020 Show 792 Hour 1
Since the first coronavirus cases were documented on U.S. soil, Americans have been looking to China, the Republic of Korea, and Italy for insight into what was ahead and how to manage it. South Dakotans have their eyes on New York City, Louisiana, and California as well as places like Sioux Falls and Beadle County. All of these places have different restrictions in efforts to contain the contagion.
Governor Kristi Noem has issued consecutive executive orders outlining instructions for individuals, businesses, and municipalities, she has used words like "should" and then "shall," but she has refrained from issuing any kind of statewide stay-at-home order.
One of the challenges leaders face is what they can tell U.S. citizens to do during a public health crisis. Can they close individual businesses preemptively? Can they require at-risk people to stay home? Can they restrict travel across state or city borders? How do they build the public trust in order to save lives?
Lisa Hager is an Assistant Professor of Political Science at South Dakota State University. David Wiltse is an Associate Professor of Political Science at South Dakota State University.? They've been helping us sort through the nuances of national politics, from impeachment to primaries, and now to the pandemic.
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