Dr. Aleta Borrud: It’s worth repeating — we still need to listen to the experts

As a geriatrician I grieve for what our elders and their families are experiencing in this pandemic. Because older people have increased vulnerability to the coronavirus, they are experiencing isolation, often in the midst of their health crises and at the end of life. And this physical isolation produces an almost unbearable emotional toll that is not relieved by phone visits or waves through a window. Even those who live in congregant settings can no longer socialize with each other, leaving it up to our frontline caregivers to provide the necessary emotional support.

Elderly residents in Rochester, across Minnesota, and around the country all face the same challenges. Last week, Minnesota surpassed 66,000 COVID cases. Each day brings hundreds of new cases. Behind every case is a story. It is the grandparent no longer able to see their children and grandchildren. It is the husband who can no longer visit his wife in a care facility. It is easy to get lost in the numbers, but we cannot forget the human impact of this crisis. It has robbed us of our loved ones, our friends, and our neighbors.

What is most tragic is how avoidable today’s crisis was, if only we’d prepared. As global COVID cases increased, world leaders turned to their scientists, epidemiologists, and public health experts to develop the best response. Strict social distancing measures were put in place. Restaurants and bars were closed. And while other nations haven’t completely eradicated COVID, it’s clear they are making progress because they followed the advice of experts.

The United States hasn’t done that. Instead of listening to experts like Dr. Fauci from the beginning and letting their experience guide policy decisions, President Trump chose a different strategy. He chose to politicize mask-wearing. He held a rally with thousands of attendees, rejecting guidance on social distancing. He cut unemployment insurance. And now, his administration is in federal court trying to repeal the Affordable Care Act. If successful, that would mean taking away health insurance in the middle of a public health emergency.

Now, we have an economic crisis because of our public health crisis. In talking to neighbors and people around our community, I hear the same thing. People are worried about whether they can send their kids to school. They’re worried about whether their small business can survive staying closed. Some businesses may never reopen, which leads to layoffs and people losing their employer-based health insurance. It didn’t have to be this bad, but Donald Trump and Mike Pence failed the test of leadership when we needed it most.

Fortunately, there’s an alternative. Vice President Biden and Senator Harris have proposed a series of comprehensive plans to deal with COVID in a responsible way. It begins with listening to scientists and being guided by expert opinions. It looks out for our essential and frontline workers, including caregivers. I know from working with them how important caregivers are and how deserving they are of compensation that represents their value. And most important, their plan ensures people have access to health insurance even if they lose their coverage after a lay-off.

But most importantly, we need elected leaders who will provide us with a clear and consistent evidence-based message: wear a mask, stay six feet apart from others, and wash your hands. Simple steps that seem insignificant on the surface level, but essential to keep us safe and healthy.

People look to their doctors for advice. We need to likewise look to our public health experts to help lead us through this pandemic. And by doing that, we are caring for all of our neighbors and relatives — including our elderly ones — during this difficult time.

Dr. Aleta Borrud is a Rochester-based geriatrician and a candidate for Minnesota State Senate District 26.