This article is from the source 'nytimes' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/25/us/politics/coronavirus-tennessee-arizona-oklahoma.html

The article has changed 27 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 3 Version 4
The People Leading When Leaders Do Not The People Leading When Leaders Do Not
(about 2 hours later)
County Line Pie was almost as busy on a Sunday in mid-March as it had been the month before. So the owner did what seemed like the only thing he could do: He shut down.County Line Pie was almost as busy on a Sunday in mid-March as it had been the month before. So the owner did what seemed like the only thing he could do: He shut down.
It’s not that anyone had directed Jamie Dove to close up his three pizza shops in and around Johnson City, Tenn. But that was what bothered Mr. Dove: As he mulled over his decision that weekend, schools had not yet closed, and Tennessee officials’ main response to the coronavirus’s spread across the United States was to discourage gatherings of more than 250 people.It’s not that anyone had directed Jamie Dove to close up his three pizza shops in and around Johnson City, Tenn. But that was what bothered Mr. Dove: As he mulled over his decision that weekend, schools had not yet closed, and Tennessee officials’ main response to the coronavirus’s spread across the United States was to discourage gatherings of more than 250 people.
Still, Mr. Dove, 43, anticipated that business would slow on its own; while his pizza shops were popular, they were the kind of bustling joints one might expressly steer clear of in the age of social distancing. But from the kitchen of County Line Pie, in Chuckey, Tenn., Mr. Dove watched as patrons continued to stream in. He listened to them crack jokes about the virus that struck him as something other than gallows humor. “People’s behavior just wasn’t changing,” he said.Still, Mr. Dove, 43, anticipated that business would slow on its own; while his pizza shops were popular, they were the kind of bustling joints one might expressly steer clear of in the age of social distancing. But from the kitchen of County Line Pie, in Chuckey, Tenn., Mr. Dove watched as patrons continued to stream in. He listened to them crack jokes about the virus that struck him as something other than gallows humor. “People’s behavior just wasn’t changing,” he said.
After a sleepless night, on Monday, March 16, he announced his decision in a long Facebook post. He says he was the first restaurateur in Johnson City to voluntarily close his doors. “If I go broke, I go broke,” he said in an interview. “But if I’m uncomfortable in my own spaces, how can I ask my employees to come in here, too?”After a sleepless night, on Monday, March 16, he announced his decision in a long Facebook post. He says he was the first restaurateur in Johnson City to voluntarily close his doors. “If I go broke, I go broke,” he said in an interview. “But if I’m uncomfortable in my own spaces, how can I ask my employees to come in here, too?”
Mr. Dove is one of many Americans who have become unlikely leaders as the country navigates a pandemic. As 50 states each devise their own plans of action, some officials have proved far less vigilant than others, allowing nonchalant and even cavalier sentiments about the virus to fester. In those spaces, unexpected decision makers, like business owners and religious leaders, are stepping in and filling the void.Mr. Dove is one of many Americans who have become unlikely leaders as the country navigates a pandemic. As 50 states each devise their own plans of action, some officials have proved far less vigilant than others, allowing nonchalant and even cavalier sentiments about the virus to fester. In those spaces, unexpected decision makers, like business owners and religious leaders, are stepping in and filling the void.
They are confronting what has become a basic and essential question: How do you shut down in a community where many are convinced there’s nothing to fret over?They are confronting what has become a basic and essential question: How do you shut down in a community where many are convinced there’s nothing to fret over?
“Being first is hard,” Mr. Dove said. “But then finally what really broke the dam for me was, if I do this correctly, it may start a chain reaction.”“Being first is hard,” Mr. Dove said. “But then finally what really broke the dam for me was, if I do this correctly, it may start a chain reaction.”
Mr. Dove braced for a swift backlash as he typed out his reasons for closing. After all, social media posts waving off the “apocalypse” still abounded. A few weeks earlier, when he first contacted the state’s Department of Labor to learn how to best take care of his employees in the event of layoffs, “just to be safe,” he said that no one seemed sure how to respond.Mr. Dove braced for a swift backlash as he typed out his reasons for closing. After all, social media posts waving off the “apocalypse” still abounded. A few weeks earlier, when he first contacted the state’s Department of Labor to learn how to best take care of his employees in the event of layoffs, “just to be safe,” he said that no one seemed sure how to respond.
So he was surprised by the flood of support he received, which registered like a collective sigh of relief, as if many in the area had simply been waiting for someone to give voice to their own quiet anxieties.So he was surprised by the flood of support he received, which registered like a collective sigh of relief, as if many in the area had simply been waiting for someone to give voice to their own quiet anxieties.
Less than 24 hours later, another staple of downtown Johnson City, Mid City Grill, closed its doors. The owner shared Mr. Dove’s post on the restaurant’s Facebook page when announcing the closure. “As hard as this decision is, it is beyond the right thing to do,” wrote the owner, Steven Garnett. “Thank you Jamie Dove for helping us make this decision easier!”Less than 24 hours later, another staple of downtown Johnson City, Mid City Grill, closed its doors. The owner shared Mr. Dove’s post on the restaurant’s Facebook page when announcing the closure. “As hard as this decision is, it is beyond the right thing to do,” wrote the owner, Steven Garnett. “Thank you Jamie Dove for helping us make this decision easier!”
A handful of other local businesses, including coffee shops and boutiques, followed suit. Days later, on Sunday, Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, signed an executive order suspending in-person dining services, mandating gym closures, and prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people.A handful of other local businesses, including coffee shops and boutiques, followed suit. Days later, on Sunday, Gov. Bill Lee, a Republican, signed an executive order suspending in-person dining services, mandating gym closures, and prohibiting gatherings of 10 or more people.
“You’ve just got to get to a climate where it’s OK just to say it,” Mr. Dove said.“You’ve just got to get to a climate where it’s OK just to say it,” Mr. Dove said.
For weeks, Pastor Jose Rivera had urged his congregants at the Church of God of Prophecy in Phoenix to elbow bump instead of shaking hands or embracing. They mostly ignored the advice.For weeks, Pastor Jose Rivera had urged his congregants at the Church of God of Prophecy in Phoenix to elbow bump instead of shaking hands or embracing. They mostly ignored the advice.
On Sunday, March 15 — days before the governor of Arizona would recommend against gatherings of more than 10 people — the church was almost filled to its 250-person capacity. When Mr. Rivera offered his sermon, dozens of people gathered near the front, bowing in prayer, placing their hands on one another’s shoulders.On Sunday, March 15 — days before the governor of Arizona would recommend against gatherings of more than 10 people — the church was almost filled to its 250-person capacity. When Mr. Rivera offered his sermon, dozens of people gathered near the front, bowing in prayer, placing their hands on one another’s shoulders.
Two days later, Mr. Rivera had begun to break the news: There would be no regular church service the next Sunday, or on any Sunday for weeks to come.Two days later, Mr. Rivera had begun to break the news: There would be no regular church service the next Sunday, or on any Sunday for weeks to come.
“The people are not going to be happy,” he said in between calls to parishioners. “But if they see that everybody is biting the bullet and we have to do this, maybe they will understand the situation. If we were in the jungle, you don’t have to listen to rules. But people are looking up to us in many ways.”“The people are not going to be happy,” he said in between calls to parishioners. “But if they see that everybody is biting the bullet and we have to do this, maybe they will understand the situation. If we were in the jungle, you don’t have to listen to rules. But people are looking up to us in many ways.”
By the time he was done making alternative plans — live-streaming all the regular music from weekly services, setting up small groups for Bible study — parishioners who had been loath to give up warm embraces just days ago said they were willing to stay home.By the time he was done making alternative plans — live-streaming all the regular music from weekly services, setting up small groups for Bible study — parishioners who had been loath to give up warm embraces just days ago said they were willing to stay home.
“We have to be the example,” he said. “If we can stop this epidemic that is going on, I think we will celebrate together when this is all over, regardless of how we feel now.”“We have to be the example,” he said. “If we can stop this epidemic that is going on, I think we will celebrate together when this is all over, regardless of how we feel now.”
Carlos Ruiz Esparza, a congregant who is studying to be a minister himself, had initially rejected reports about the virus as overblown. But when he spoke with Mr. Rivera, he began to understand, he said.Carlos Ruiz Esparza, a congregant who is studying to be a minister himself, had initially rejected reports about the virus as overblown. But when he spoke with Mr. Rivera, he began to understand, he said.
“He’s being careful, obeying the law of the land and being obedient,” Mr. Esparza said. “I can’t get disappointed because I know my pastor is always doing the right thing for everybody.”“He’s being careful, obeying the law of the land and being obedient,” Mr. Esparza said. “I can’t get disappointed because I know my pastor is always doing the right thing for everybody.”
Robert Putnam, the author of “Bowling Alone,” which famously explored civic disengagement and the decline of social and political connections, and a professor of public policy at Harvard University, said it was not unusual for “innovation and decisiveness to be found more at the local level.”Robert Putnam, the author of “Bowling Alone,” which famously explored civic disengagement and the decline of social and political connections, and a professor of public policy at Harvard University, said it was not unusual for “innovation and decisiveness to be found more at the local level.”
Mr. Putnam pointed to studies suggesting that during the Spanish flu of the early 20th century, survival rates differed sharply among individual cities.Mr. Putnam pointed to studies suggesting that during the Spanish flu of the early 20th century, survival rates differed sharply among individual cities.
“In normal times the differences between Kalamazoo and Springfield are going to be very clear, but in a crisis your chances of living or dying are going to turn out to pretty closely follow whether you live in a place with good leadership,” Mr. Putnam said. “Times of crisis like this put all institutions under a greater stress test, and some communities will respond better because of their leadership.”“In normal times the differences between Kalamazoo and Springfield are going to be very clear, but in a crisis your chances of living or dying are going to turn out to pretty closely follow whether you live in a place with good leadership,” Mr. Putnam said. “Times of crisis like this put all institutions under a greater stress test, and some communities will respond better because of their leadership.”
In some states, parents have no qualms about urging people to self-isolate and help flatten the curve — even if their elected officials won’t.In some states, parents have no qualms about urging people to self-isolate and help flatten the curve — even if their elected officials won’t.
Updated June 5, 2020Updated June 5, 2020
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
On March 14, Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, a Republican, tweeted a photo of himself and his children eating out at an Oklahoma City restaurant. “Eating with my kids and all my fellow Oklahomans at the @CollectiveOKC,” he wrote in the post. “It’s packed tonight!”On March 14, Gov. Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma, a Republican, tweeted a photo of himself and his children eating out at an Oklahoma City restaurant. “Eating with my kids and all my fellow Oklahomans at the @CollectiveOKC,” he wrote in the post. “It’s packed tonight!”
A backlash prompted Mr. Stitt to delete the post, but the next day, a Sunday, after declaring a state of emergency in Oklahoma, a spokesperson said the governor’s outlook had not changed from “remain calm, live your life and support local businesses.”A backlash prompted Mr. Stitt to delete the post, but the next day, a Sunday, after declaring a state of emergency in Oklahoma, a spokesperson said the governor’s outlook had not changed from “remain calm, live your life and support local businesses.”
By Monday, two Oklahoma City bloggers were on the phone with a local T-shirt company, eager to spread their own message: They were “staying OklaHome.”By Monday, two Oklahoma City bloggers were on the phone with a local T-shirt company, eager to spread their own message: They were “staying OklaHome.”
Stacy Gentling and Caitlynne Miller are the owners of Oklahoma City Moms Blog, a site where moms post about parenting in the area, coordinate neighborhood groups and review and promote local businesses.Stacy Gentling and Caitlynne Miller are the owners of Oklahoma City Moms Blog, a site where moms post about parenting in the area, coordinate neighborhood groups and review and promote local businesses.
In the last few weeks, the women said, they had been inundated with questions from readers about how to help their community as the number of coronavirus cases in the state began to grow.In the last few weeks, the women said, they had been inundated with questions from readers about how to help their community as the number of coronavirus cases in the state began to grow.
The blog largely depends on advertising to stay afloat, but in this moment, “We absolutely didn’t want to try and take a sales approach and get money or anything like that,” Ms. Miller said.The blog largely depends on advertising to stay afloat, but in this moment, “We absolutely didn’t want to try and take a sales approach and get money or anything like that,” Ms. Miller said.
Instead, she, Ms. Gentling, and the rest of their team tried to come up with a cheeky spin on the need to self-quarantine, then work with a local business they’d long loved to promote it.Instead, she, Ms. Gentling, and the rest of their team tried to come up with a cheeky spin on the need to self-quarantine, then work with a local business they’d long loved to promote it.
Finally, they arranged to have all proceeds from the shirts go to one of their favorite charities, Infant Crisis Services, which provides formula, diapers and food to struggling families in the area.Finally, they arranged to have all proceeds from the shirts go to one of their favorite charities, Infant Crisis Services, which provides formula, diapers and food to struggling families in the area.
In the last two weeks, their writers have put together detailed guides to free educational resources, how to navigate working from home with young children, and activities to keep children occupied, like virtual tours of Oklahoma City museums. Pinned at the top of their Facebook page, which has a following of more than 18,000, is “A Parent’s Guide to COVID-19 in OKC.”In the last two weeks, their writers have put together detailed guides to free educational resources, how to navigate working from home with young children, and activities to keep children occupied, like virtual tours of Oklahoma City museums. Pinned at the top of their Facebook page, which has a following of more than 18,000, is “A Parent’s Guide to COVID-19 in OKC.”
“Honestly, we’re nervous. We have no idea how this is going to affect us,” Ms. Gentling admitted. But she said her drive to make the blog the best possible resource for parents trying to navigate the virus, physically and emotionally, had given her a sense of purpose.“Honestly, we’re nervous. We have no idea how this is going to affect us,” Ms. Gentling admitted. But she said her drive to make the blog the best possible resource for parents trying to navigate the virus, physically and emotionally, had given her a sense of purpose.
“Because if I was just stuck in my house thinking of how I was going to homeschool my kids, I would be going crazy — not saying I’m not going crazy,” she added, laughing. “But being real and transparent, and saying this is hard, and we don’t know when this is going to end, and pumping out resources that are useful, that’s what we want to do.”“Because if I was just stuck in my house thinking of how I was going to homeschool my kids, I would be going crazy — not saying I’m not going crazy,” she added, laughing. “But being real and transparent, and saying this is hard, and we don’t know when this is going to end, and pumping out resources that are useful, that’s what we want to do.”
On Tuesday, Governor Stitt issued a shelter-in-place order for people aged 65 or older, as well as those with underlying health issues. It was a start, but the moms will continue trying to convince people that it’s past time for everyone to stay OklaHome.On Tuesday, Governor Stitt issued a shelter-in-place order for people aged 65 or older, as well as those with underlying health issues. It was a start, but the moms will continue trying to convince people that it’s past time for everyone to stay OklaHome.
“I feel like we have a responsibility to the moms of the community to share what’s important,” Ms. Miller said. “And sometimes that’s not agreeing with what our leadership says, and doing what we know is the safe and healthy choice.”“I feel like we have a responsibility to the moms of the community to share what’s important,” Ms. Miller said. “And sometimes that’s not agreeing with what our leadership says, and doing what we know is the safe and healthy choice.”