Don’t Panic

What to Know: Data delays—not a new wave of infections—are driving inaccurate coronavirus trend lines in Texas.

The TPPF Take: Data matters, especially when it comes to making policy regarding public health.

“A growing body of research suggests that, for working age Americans and children, the virus presents the same mortality as the annual flu,” says TPPF’s Kevin Roberts. “From the beginning of the outbreak, Texans have shown the ability to do what’s right for each other and their communities. They deserve the respect from our officials to continue to make decisions for themselves.”

Deaths are Down

What to Know: Some media outlets (such as the Washington Post) have stopped reporting COVID-19 deaths—which are down—and instead are focusing on “cases.” This provides an inaccurate picture of the pandemic.

The TPPF Take: According to key data, the picture in Texas is improving, not worsening.

“The reality is that Texas’ fatality rate per active case has declined to about a third of where it was six weeks ago and is 2nd lowest in the U.S., and the state remains one of the better success stories in avoiding the worst effects of the outbreak,” says TPPF’s Vance Ginn. “Texans need not live in fear; they can responsibly return to their lives and livelihoods.”

Is This Compassion?

What to Know: Throughout the state, cities and counties are tightening their coronavirus rules and regulations.

The TPPF Take: The responses of our government, at all levels, to the pandemic have lacked more than cause, they have lacked compassion.

“As compassionate Americans, we listened,” says TPPF’s Jamie Mathis. “We destroyed our economy and our livelihoods. We left millions of individuals unsure of how they would pay their bills or put food on their tables. But did our officials keep faith with us? The truly compassionate approach is to protect our most vulnerable—our senior citizens and the immuno-compromised—while allowing the rest of us to resume our lives.”