Safe Openings

We are certainly getting close to reopening the economy and that's a good thing.  The questions that need to be answered are tricky.

Since we know asymptomatic people can spread the virus, the use of masks should be mandatory in any public place.  This is to stop people from spreading the virus and to reduce the risk of inhaling it.

Secondary spread via surface is still not clear so we need to provide large amounts of hand sanitizer so people can take precautions.  I suppose another alternative would be to make sure there are enough disposable gloves available but they present risks of their own on disposal and removal.  Removing the virus from your hands quickly is the best protection.  Not touching you face is also good, but we all do that fairly instinctively.

You have to consider that while individuals might feel its ok for them to engage in risky behavior, that behavior is likely to put others at risk.  Failure to protect yourself and resultant infection means you become an infectious agent, and might not even know it.  No one has the right to endanger others.

Of course if you are taking proper precautions and interact with someone who isn't, you should shun him or her and use sanitizer to protect yourself.  Someone may have the right to carry a weapon but I have the right to avoid being a target.

As infections become rare we need to trace the source of any new infections quickly.  Of course if the incubation period is up to 14 days this tracing might be difficult. Still it would be the only chance at continuing containment.

We might fact a real problem when schools re-open, we always see an uptick in some infectious diseases and of course Covid-19 is likely to be around.  We simply need to be alert and isolate those exhibiting possible symptoms until they can be cleared.

This brings up the need for rapid accurate tests.  Imagine if in the school day started with a quick test and then the pledge of allegiance.  Teachers too.

The virus can be effectively starved to death if it can't infect us.  The faster the better.