There are now 2 million cases worldwide as countries plan to re-open
The next 30-60 days will be deeply important to understanding the true long-term impacts of the actual virus on our society. There is no doubt the economical and emotional impacts will last far after the virus has passed, however, all signs point to “re-starting” the economy in this time period. If we are able to avoid an immediate “second wave” it will be imperative to limiting the long term impacts.
Personally, I think this is one of those lose-lose situations. We absolutely have to re-start the economy. The issue, however, is doing so at scale. Testing is still a joke and the likelihood of a well thought out plan appears to be more of a pipe-dream than a reality. Every step of the way it feels as though we have been two weeks behind. We are a day late and a dollar short.
People are now “protesting” the stay-at-home orders. It was only a matter of time. My thoughts on that is that it is absolutely ridiculous and embarrassing. Not only are they endangering the police having to execute the executive order, but they are increasing the odds of a breakout and, ironically, more stricter lock-downs or an extended time frame. This is the definition of “bite the nose to spite the face”.
Today, Brunswick County saw its second resident pass away die to COVID-19. My thoughts are with that family tonight, as well as the other 30,844 deaths at the time of this writing. The “this is just flu” guys and gals are still mocking a disease that killed more than the flu does in an entire year in a matter of two months. Two months where society was shut down and we have largely been forced to stay indoors or away from people…
It is sad that society will not take serious something that does not directly effect them. Instead they will pout and cry about the government imposing their “evil will” and cry “conspiracy”. If I seem tired of the rhetoric, it is because I am. Everyone has a “what about me” attitude despite the fact this is literally impacting us all and in some cases, this is unnecessarily ending lives of people we deeply care about.
They say that to die from COVID-19 you most likely will have an underlying health condition. Ironically, most of the keyboard warriors fit that bill because one of the largest factors in hospitalization thus far is being overweight. In a country riddled with obesity and poor dietary choice, collectively we are “at-risk”.
I have and will always recommend keeping politics out of this. In my opinion, it is why our response has been inadequate. It is, also, why people hate on each other and refuse to focus on working together to get through this. Instead of problem solving, they bash and complain.
This problem is not going to magically disappear. To solve it, the only thing certain is that it will require a community effort. We must get past our differences and understand that we are all stressed, emotional, and at times irrational. All of us are battling demons right now.
I’ve been feeling a bit down this week looking at the “prospectus” of the next 6 months. The reality is far more grim than anyone cares to admit. I founded Brunswick Bulletin as a way to “attempt to” unify our local economy. Instead, it seems I need to take a different approach. The framework is a solid first step, but I need to do more.
In the coming days and weeks, I am going to up the ante and find more creative ways to actually support local businesses. Despite my honest intentions, the reality is a one-man-show trying to keep up with what is going on online amidst so much drama and heated debates is just not worth the minimal impact this site is having on local business.
My best idea today is to “sweeten the pot” and run giveaways and a video series on the businesses still open or those willing to participate. I will need some help in facilitating this initiative. I can offer time and video services but cannot afford a budget for the actual giveaways. Once I iron out some details regarding this new direction, I will update everyone via this blog and start running the social campaigns.
In the interim, here is a giveaway that a local business (Seascape Designs) has been doing each week. Enter by commenting on their page.
