Lockdown the State?

We cannot afford to "Lockdown" the entire state, decimating small
businesses while simultaneously cratering our economy in the process, in response
to a recent surge in Coronavirus cases.  Lockdowns DO NOT work... 

I was called yesterday by Channel 3 to discuss COVID-19 "Lockdowns" and my thoughts on this topic.

It was a story because Florida Governor Ron DeSantis has said he would not lock down the state again over COVID-19.  This announcement produced some passionate debate on both sides of the issue.  So WEAR wanted to talk to local policy makers to get our perspective (s).

I spoke with Danielle Apolinar of Channel 3 for about 10 minutes yesterday afternoon and we talked about multiple aspects of the issue, to include the fact that more than 99% of the vast majority of those infected with COVID-19 recover worldwide, and also the fact that many scientists including special envoy of WHO Peter Nabarro have come out and stated that "lockdowns should not be the primary means to control COVID-19 outbreaks"  Meanwhile--many states and large cities have decimated their own economies and businesses utilizing these draconian lockdowns----and despite this--- the virus appears to be making a surge in these very same locations.  

So why lock down again if it does not work and did not work?  We can't move forward collectively "hiding out in the basement..."

So yes I did say I agree with Governor DeSantis on this.  

He's right.  Spot on actually.

And he's managed this crisis very well when all things are considered---and especially as compared to places like San Francisco and New York--where long-established, well-loved service related companies have been put out of business permanently in percentages estimated to be as high as 63%.  Was that smart to do, was it worth it?  No.

And the fact that he (DeSantis) has the fortitude to say he will not bow to the pressure of other states and shut down Florida's economy shows leadership that is very strong and very respectable.

This said, I did stress to Danielle during our conversation that individuals that are immunocompromised or in a high-risk category for susceptibility to COVID-19 should take their own safety into their own hands and self-isolate as necessary.  Two words--Personal Responsibility.  I also stated that we all should follow the guidance from CDC on hand washing and social distancing.  Because we all do have a part to play.  Furthermore, I mentioned to her that locally our hospitalization numbers have trended downward in a large way since July/August (high of 246 local citizens hospitalized in Escambia County Hospitals with COVID-19) to now-- (93 persons hospitalized in Escambia County Hospitals with COVID-19).

We also discussed Norway, Finland, and Sweden's approach to the pandemic which has largely spared their economies by specifically and deliberately NOT completely shutting down their cities, towns, and districts.  While these nations have suffered many infections and many deaths--just like the rest of Europe--they did not have to massacre their small businesses and their countries' economies in the process--which should be noted and NOT attacked.

Look--this virus is serious, it is a "real" disease with which we MUST contend and that we are all working to defeat in our own spheres of influence.

But folks that want to go out and work should NOT be prevented from doing so.  Shutting down the world and destroying small businesses and statewide economies at this point, right as we're on the verge of tremendous vaccine and therapeutic breakthroughs, is ridiculous.  

To do so is authoritarian power-madness---- and is recklessly irresponsible, in my opinion.

So no, we in Florida simply cannot afford to lockdown again.  I said it and I meant it because it is a fact.