As we debate the issue of leaving our homes, reopening our businesses and enjoying our “new normal” major concerns centered around our safety and the health of our economy are discussed.
Freedom on Tap with Jon Caldara
I watched Freedom on Tap with Jon Caldara from the Independence Institute on April 14. The idea was to join a virtual drinking party and listen to discussions with economist Steve Moore, editorial page editor Wayne Laugeson from The Gazette and Zoom call-in folks. Of course, discussions centered around restarting the economy quickly while balancing the health and safety of our communities.
One comment Moore made that stuck with me was “1% increase of unemployment equals 10,000 deaths.” If our unemployment rate goes from 3.5% in February 2020 to 14.7%, as reported by Fortune magazine, then the death toll could be 112,000 people. To me this is a staggering number and just one of the casualties of our continued stay-at-home orders. Of course, this is speculation just like the models the government is using to determine the potential number of deaths due to the coronavirus.
Safety vs. Money
How do we balance our safety concerns at the same time as restarting our economy and getting folks back to work? Working is not just the ability to earn a living. It also signifies our return to routines and the contributions our work provides to our community. It has a ripple effect and just one person can touch so many of us.
As highlighted by Leon Kelly, El Paso County Coroner during the Colorado Springs City Council Work Session on April 14, we will always have coronavirus cases in our community and by flattening the curve we spread out the cases enough to not overwhelm our medical capabilities.
What’s our new “normal”?
With that in mind here are a few suggestions for reopening the Colorado Springs community and getting to our new normal.
– If you’re sick stay home. Always good advice any time you are sick.
– Continue to practice social distancing, where appropriate. Don’t go to an event where you are packed in like sardines but go enjoy dinner or a haircut.
– Wear a mask. Not only will this stop you from touching your face, but it will also make you aware of your health and others.
– Don’t act like a giddy schoolgirl with $100 from grandma. Do support your local businesses but you don’t have to go to all of them in one day, spread it out.
– Act like you live in a village with others and not on an island. We are not alone on this community and our actions do affect others. Think of your family, friends, neighbors, strangers – anyone you encounter and remember every life is precious and matters.
Do your part to keep all of us safe and healthy and we can prosper again!
