by Cynthia Ortiz // Editor-in-Chief
On April 16th, 2020 President Donald Trump announced his three phase plan to “reopen” the country by May 1st. The first phase of Trump’s plan includes the reopening of restaurants, movie theaters, sporting venues, places of worship, and gyms if they “observe strict social distancing,” according to Politico.com. Phase one also consists of continuing the closure of schools, prohibiting visits to senior living facilities and hospitals, continued closure of bars, and all those who are deemed “high risk” being instructed to remain in quarantine inside their homes. Phase two would be the gradual reopening of all schools and youth groups (under the assumption that phase one is a success), resuming nonessential travel, and the reopening of all parks, shopping centers, and large venues. The exception here would be no large gatherings over 50 people, and high risk individuals continuing to remain in quarantine. If phase two is a success, then phase three would then take effect, starting with ending quarantine for high risk individuals, resuming all work and visits to senior care facilities and hospitals, along with large public venues being able to operate under limited social distancing rules. Naturally, this has caused an uproar amongst many Americans as our country is still being heavily impacted by the virus on a daily basis. People are afraid of returning to their old lives so soon, and think it isn’t safe to do so this early.
This reopening isn’t mandatory, however, as Trump intends to give the final say to each state’s respective Governor. However, he has already garnered state supporters who are in agreement to the concept of reopening. These states are, according to The Washington Post: Texas, Minnesota, and Vermont, who are “announcing dates for easing certain restrictions.”
The problem with this divide between states reopening is the possibility of further spreading the virus and as a result, worsening the condition of our citizens health. And although our economy is also taking a big hit, is our health and safety truly worth risking? Is the economy more valuable than the lives of millions?
This current pandemic is the biggest and most deadliest we’ve ever had. Reopening by next month just seems ignorant given the fact that the death toll continues to rise as days go by. It is unsafe in the world right now, and therefore unwise to pitch this concept to our nation. As of right now, the best thing to do is to stay home and continue practicing strict social distancing. As Michigan Governor, Gretchen Whitmer said, “It is better to be six feet apart right now, than six feet under.”