Life must go on. America and the great state of Oklahoma must get back to work.
As the essential/non-essential debate waged on, Main Street was ordered shuttered while big box stores and Wall Street marched forward. In some respects, the greatest qualities of main street were forgotten.
When this began, information was sparse and resources were scarce. Few of us could get an adequate supply of face masks, sanitizing wipes and other cleaning products. But more than a month out from the first wave of deaths and the panic buying and hoarding of toilet paper things are different.
We have the information, PPE and testing available to make America safe for the vast majority of Americans. So, if we have the resources, why is Main Street still shuttered? Why are hair salons, restaurants and gyms closed?
Governments across America used a mallet approach to closing businesses While this might have been appropriate in the beginning. They were listening to medical professionals and could see that we lacked adequate resources to fight the virus. The curve has been flattened, the tide has changed, and it is time to take a fresh look at it.
Progress has been made. But a fresh look must include a new approach, we have to change our mindset on cleaning procedures, social distancing and more. We must begin to move the wheels of our economy and still protect the most vulnerable among us.
Now is the time to re-open our restaurants, retailers and manufacturing. But we must re-open in a pragmatic way that balances the economy and liberty with life.
We cannot allow mass outbreaks like the one in South Dakota where some 600 people employed by Smithfields Foods in Sioux Falls have tested positive. We must continue to protect our nursing homes and other businesses that serve at risk population – and we can.
Main Street, Big-Box Stores and Wall Street will all require a unique approach, as will various industries. What works for a theater with a crowd of less than 50 will not work for one that seats 500.
Perhaps no industry has been worse hit than the restaurant industry. Many of them are ready to re-open. They are anxious to put their employees back on the payroll and move forward. They insist that their plans would protect their employees and the public. But the plans are not one-size fits all.
In the past few weeks, I have spoken to some 20 restaurateurs. Not one of them said they would feel comfortable eating in an all-you-can-eat restaurant where there is a potential for hundreds of people are touching the same utensils.
Restaurants like Back Porch, Ted’s Café Escondido and Mike’s Sports Grille can open safely. They have a plan in place that protects their employees and patrons.
So, the government now must decide: Do we wait until it is safe for every restaurant to open or do they allow those who can operate safely to do so?
I don’t for a second believe that we should return to pre-COVID standards of cleaning. I don’t believe we should lift social distancing restrictions or take for granted anything that we have done to flatten this curve.
For many industries there will be a steep learning curve, changes will need to be made. There will be some who can pivot, make slight changes to their operations, and provide their products or services in a safe manner – and there are others who simply can’t adapt.
Above all else, the greatest thing anyone can do is to take to heart the need for personal responsibility. Avoid large groups, practice social distancing around people you don’t normally associate with and remember – wash your hands.