The pandemic, which could conceivably have brought our country together, has instead contributed to our growing political divides. According to a paper by the Brookings Institute, partisan affiliation is often the strongest single predictor of behavior and attitudes about COVID-19. Political affiliation is even more powerful than local infection rates or demographic characteristics when it comes to how folks will respond to the recommendations from health experts.
In fact, the paper goes on to show that a state’s partisan orientation also explains its public health policies, including the timing and duration of stay at home orders, bans on social gatherings and mask mandates.
Scott McIntosh is the opinion editor for the Idaho Statesman, and last week, the paper’s editorial board published a strongly worded op-ed on why Gov. Brad Little needs to do more to protect the citizens of Idaho. McIntosh joins Idaho Matters to talk more about the article.
As COVID-19 cases spread through the U.S. and Idaho, we’re committed to keeping you updated and informed. You can get updated info on cases, closures and how to stay healthy at any time on our Coronavirus news blog.
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