October - 20208GOVERNMENT CIO OUTLOOKThe Importance of Local Officials During COVID-19he 2019 Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) has undoubtedly shifted how we go about our daily lives in the United States. In many ways, the COVID-19 pandemic has exposed our nation's unpreparedness for efficiently and adequately responding to a crisis of this scale; on the other hand, the pandemic has highlighted an astounding resilience that exists throughout this nation, both on the individual and community levels. With the largely decentralized response to mitigating COVID-19 in the U.S., we have seen state, county, and municipal governments placed at the forefront of decision-making efforts and policy implementation. For this reason, the consequences of local elections have arguably become clearer now than at any other time in recent history.Since March of this year, the U.S. has seen a great deal of variability in the intensity of COVID-19 cases and deaths. This fluctuation is attributable in great measure to the contrasting policies being implemented throughout the nation. For instance, state and local officials are making vital public health decisions regarding the facilitation of COVID-19 testing ­ including the accessibility of receiving a test, the turn-around time for results, and contact tracing efforts to alleviate the spread of the virus. In addition, local officials are tasked with making decisions that impact the economic health and security of communities, from the allocation of federal aid to developing and facilitating small business relief programs. Because of the lack of uniformity nationwide, individuals and families in one part of the country may experience the pandemic very differently than those in another part of the country, solely based on the dissimilar policy choices made by their state and local leaders.TDominica R. Convertino, Legislative Director Office of Commissioner Melissa Daub, Wayne County CommissionByCIOINSIGHTS
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