This Republican governor thinks she’s nailed her state’s Covid-19 response. She hasn’t. – CNN

"I'm going to continue to trust South Dakotans to make wise and well-informed decisions for themselves and their families. I'm also asking that we all show respect and understanding to those who make choices we may not agree with. Our trust in the data and in each other has been rewarded. This is a testament to the people of South Dakota -- our greatest weapon against this common enemy."

If there is an epicenter for the resurgent coronavirus in America, then, South Dakota may well be it.

And yet, Noem seems oblivious to all of these data points. Instead, her op-ed largely defends her mostly hands-off approach to the virus in the state to date -- she never issued a stay-at-home order, for example -- while also arguing that there is no need for a mask mandate at this point.

Here's Noem on masks:

"There are many others who question the effectiveness of masks, and South Dakotans should take the time to read this information so they can make informed decisions for themselves and their families. As I've said before, if folks want to wear a mask, they should be free to do so. Similarly, those who don't want to wear a mask shouldn't be shamed into wearing one. And government should not mandate it. We need to respect each other's decisions -- in South Dakota, we know a little common courtesy can go a long way.

"Recently, a South Dakota doctor wrote me, thanking me 'for treating your fellow citizens of South Dakota like adults...' I tell you this because there are also some South Dakota medical professionals who have written to tell me of their fears about voicing their thoughts on the situation."

That's positively Trumpian!

Many people suggest masks may not work! Masks are about personal freedom, not public health! Some doctor thanked Noem for taking such a laissez-faire stance on masks!

Masks work to drastically slow the spread of the virus. They remain -- until a vaccine is widely available -- our best tool to fight Covid-19. This is not a political or a partisan statement. It is a fact.

Aligning herself so closely with Trump in her response to Covid-19 could well be a smart strategic move for Noem as the party turns in 2024 to its future national candidates. But for the residents of her state, Noem's actions in regard to the virus have been downright deplorable.

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This Republican governor thinks she's nailed her state's Covid-19 response. She hasn't. - CNN