You may not agree, and I admit I HAVE NO answers, but the actions of our government deeply concern me. In the current hysteria, actions are being taken to slow (not stop, which is probably impossible) the spread of Corona Virus. These actions are supposed to “flatten the peak” of the virus. Draconian measures have been taken, starting with cancellation of the biggest sports events, closing of schools, and now closing bars, clubs, gyms and restaurants. While the peak may be flattened, these closures will only stretch out the problem, and the cost of these will be far greater than the cost of the virus.
When these actions were taken, the underlying costs were not considered. The virus has been thoroughly documented in other countries. While large numbers of persons may become sick, only a small number actually die. The percentages range around 3% worldwide. Flattening the curve is not likely to reduce that. It is also unlikely to reduce the number that get it, since almost everyone has already been exposed. Proper hygiene is much more effective in prevention -0- Wash your hands regularly! But the cost of these measures is huge!
When the sports events were cancelled, how many vendors, security personnel and maintenance people were out of aa job? Where are they going to go to buy food and pay rent if they have no money? Will they become statistics as they die from exposure or starvation? The next step was to close all the schools and universities. Again, the support personnel are now out of work. More impact because the food services no longer need food, so the farmers and distributers for those schools no longer have anywhere to work. Now we are adding to the wasted food because it is no longer being distributed to where it is needed. Compounding the problem, the government is not shutting down all the bars, clubs and restaurants. Not only the workers are affected; the persons that depend on getting a good meal from these places will now be hard pressed to get good food.
The other action that is being taken is to limit the size of gatherings. Some churches are apparently taking actions to increase the distance and thereby reduce the contact with others. I believe this will reduce the attendance, especially since the hysteria will keep people away. Many of these institutions are dependent on donations which will severely impact their ability to survive.
The above paragraphs are just the tip of the problem. I could call it a “Trickle-down” effect, but today it seems more like fire hose! The problem also turns around and goes back up the economic chain. As landlords and businesses lose their customers, they will have to close, causing additional economic chaos. This fire hose points both down and up!
So, why are we acting in such aa rash manner? Politicians are jumping in with little or no thought. The hysteria is fueled by both the media (social and traditional) and the politicians. Statistics show that many more deaths occur every year from common flus. than the projections for this virus. Is the hysteria caused because this is something new? Probably. Do we have the facts straight, or are we reacting on fear? Might it not have been better to let the virus run its course? We certainly could have done as some hospitals and obtain temporary buildings. Or treat pore persons in their homes.
What should we do about this? I do not have the answers, but there are some things I believe. The world is a very complicated SYSTEM, in the true sense of the word. A characteristic of a system is that of you push in a bump in one place, another bump poops out. Careful consideration must be made before acting. At this point, the actions that I believe are required are systemic. Basic services and utilities must continue. Food distribution must be reliable, including substitution for closures such as Farmer’s Markets, schools and restaurants. Closure of these sources must be corrected. I recognize that the school districts are attempting to provide food to the pupils that relied on them, but that is not enough. We need to limit the time for these closures and put in place hygiene that will allow people to go on with their lives. I do not believe that “Hunkering Down” for a long period is the answer.
This is my opinion. Share it if you want. Disagree if you want. Dialog is important.
(The addresses are from my contact list. I may not have contacted you in some time, but this needed to be said.)
Dana Zimmerli
President
Belmont Shore Model Railroad Club
http://www.belmontshorerr.com/
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https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz0u5DihLyw-ZsmWrsrQnxA?view_as=subscriber