I am not familiar enough with the data of hospital availability in Iowa to make a determination.

A quick search seems to indicate that the authorities in Iowa are keeping exact data private. Whether to hide reality or avoid causing a panic, I can strongly say I am against keeping that data private.

And to be consistent, perhaps Des Moines should be locked down but Ottumwa not. But without the data I've not the slightest clue.

Sheer madness. But you are entitled to your opinion!

If I may, what is mad about my response? I declined to give an opinion due to a lack of data. I am not a decision maker in Iowa, or anywhere.

Whereas in the past I made more reckless proclamations about lockdowns and responses, I am trying to retrain my instincts for bluster and provide only what I have strong evidence or data to support.

Not for nothing, but new cases seem to have peaked in Iowa and are now trending downwards, so that is good news!