All day, every single day right now I am in contact with local and state leaders, small business owners, doctors, nurses, healthcare experts, hospital leaders and others trying to figure out the right public policy during this trying time.
Before we get into that, let me start by saying I know this is hard, and it can be scary. A new deadly disease, school and work closings, unemployment, health scares, and personal experience with the virus are all too common now.
Many of us are trying to both socially distance, work from home, and help our kids learn from home, and it’s not easy.
I believe our leaders are acting in good faith so far. Those struggling will need help. Those who are sick need more testing, better treatment and adequate supplies for our healthcare workers trying to help them.
Schools being closed is not an easy call, but in the short term it is the right call. Children were the most likely to be asymptomatic carriers in this pandemic, and keeping them more apart is a key move that will help slow the spread and flatten the curve.
What we have seen in other places is that short term shutdowns and social distancing work to slow the spread. Fewer people die. Fewer people are in the hospital and ICU.
I’m heartened as I look around our area and see people standing strong and coming together. I see people reaching out to neighbors to share supplies on grocery store runs. I went to donate blood, and they told me they are seeing a lot of new faces. Local charities and churches are stepping up as they do in every crisis. Neighbors are helping neighbors.
We can do this. We can get through the toughest of times, find treatments for this novel disease and put our economy back on track. It will take a lot of work, and that work will be hard. It will take a lot of standing together and a little bit more time.
I remain hopeful, and I remain working hard for you.
If I can assist you in any way, I’m here to help.
