With Covid and Trump Both Raging, Governors Face Pandemic Alone

With a Covid vaccine months away and a distracted, lame-duck president, governors are stirring as America’s first line of defense against the pandemic’s winter onslaught.

The pending departure of President Donald Trump, who has scoffed at the disease’s potency, could provide cover for strict new measures. The Republican leaders of Nebraska, Maryland, Utah, Ohio and Iowa tightened virus restrictions for their states this week, and Democrats warned residents of difficult months ahead. Many have little choice but to act, as the virus sets daily records and reality sets in among constituents.

People in vehicles wait in line to enter a drive-thru Covid-19 testing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, on Nov. 9.

Photographer: Bing Guan/Bloomberg

“We may see governors that haven’t been ...