Jeff’s Plan to Re-Open the Economy
Accepting that there will be no returning “the way things used to be.” All of these recommendations are under the guise that we will continue to use PPE on a near term/regular basis, adhere to social distancing during in-person interaction, and those most vulnerable continue to stay home.
Additionally, our state governments should immediately be investing in robust testing for both Covid-19 and an antibodies test that delivers results ASAP.
These measures are designed to give state and local governments more lead time to install tracing systems and meet testing demand. Testing and tracing are the key to long term recovery and preparation for pandemic recurrence. This approach also allows for a re-tightening of restrictions, should facts on the ground change.
The recommendations below represent a starting point of a conversation that should already be taking place between state and local officials. A certain level of trust is required between the public and government. And that means that the government should also trust that citizens will, on the whole, act responsibly as they have demonstrated thus far.
Phase 1: May 1st — May 22nd
Open Non-Essential Businesses:
- Retail Stores (such as clothing and furniture), including “Main Street” services like dry cleaning. With implementation of social distancing by reduced capacity limits
- Business that have larger open space buildings, such as warehouses, work shops, laboratories, and research facilities. Day to day work that inherently has social distancing built in should be allowed.
Open parks, outdoor spaces, beaches, *outside* athletic fields — soccer, baseball, tennis (and other sports where close contact is not required)
Phase 2: May 23rd — June 13th
Personal grooming businesses such as salons and barbershops — requiring PPE for both customers and employees*
Restaurants open at 25% capacity
Gyms, indoor fitness/athletic facilities at 50% capacity
Non essential businesses where there is minimal to no public interaction and employees are unable to work remotely work — 50% capacity
Religious services and other gatherings at 25% capacity
Phase 3: June 13th — ?
15% capacity increases per 2 week period. Each additional increase is at the discretion of state and local government.
Summary
A slow roll out of allowable activities that include specific dates not only provides tangible guidance to the public, but something to look forward to. Right now we have nothing to look forward to and that is critical. Ambiguous criteria set as a benchmark prior to easing of restrictions will create further frustration, fear, and economic distress. As a society, we can smartly tackle this difficult challenge and not bow to unneeded fear.
This piece will probably be updated after it is published as new suggestions are brought to Jeff’s attention.
