Comment on Iowa’s response to first year of coronavirus pandemic: ‘herculean’ vs. ‘inept’

DES MOINES — When the COVID-19 pandemic first reached the state one year ago today, Gov. Kim Reynolds assured Iowans her administration was ready.“I want Iowans to know that I am confident that we are prepared, that we take this situation seriously and we will manage it responsibly,” Reynolds said during a news conference after Iowa’s first three cases were confirmed in Johnson County.A year later, Iowa ranks in the bottom third of states for the most critical public health comparisons, but the state’s economy and state finances appear to be strong.