I continue to hear about the fantastic work from people around our district, pitching-in at the Judeo Christian Center, or at the Food Bank, or high school students like Jake Long of First Colonial High School, 3D printing face shields.
It is time for the Governor to present a plan that empowers citizens to continue flattening the curve while opening up our economy. I understand that there are many who are still afraid, and I sympathize & empathize with those who have been affected, or their families harmed by this virus. At the same time, a strong economy underpins good healthcare, education, nutrition and much more. Responsibly getting people back to work, will also help reduce domestic violence, mental health issues, suicides and more.
I’m also very concerned about our constitutional liberties being removed under the guise of protecting us. Benjamin Franklin’s past wisdom is applicable in present…he said.
“They who can give up essential liberty to obtain a little temporary safety, deserve neither liberty nor safety.”
Franklin was right then,and he is right now. We are seeing some these measures that are not entirely based on science, evidence, or the Constitution right here in Virginia.
We have helped to flatten the curve, our hospitals across Virginia are not overwhelmed, and we can surge resources around the Commonwealth where they are needed. That is not to say that Virginia doesn’t have pressing needs - and we are seeing our private sector, businesses, and individuals pitch-in to help our heroic healthcare workers. Yes, there will be a new normal for the foreseeable future, and we will have to be responsible and cautious.
But, I am confident that individual Virginians and those with small businesses can adhere to the same restrictions that I see now in grocery stores and hardware/garden centers, and elsewhere. Let’s get a plan going to open back up. Those businesses can practice social distancing, reduced crowds, cleanliness, and other measures to all them to open ...before they are permanently closed. We can do so while protecting the most vulnerable among us.
Fortunately for our county, with better data inputs into our scientific models, the projections have been reduced. However, every life is precious, and we are not out of trouble yet ... and there very well could be a second wave of infections. We have to be responsible: we are Virginians, we are Americans, we will get through this together.
