Reopening America: A Comprehensive Analysis Beyond Health Care Professionals

There is a common misconception that the decision to reopen America should solely be in the hands of health care professionals. However, as the situation unfolds, a multifaceted approach is necessary, encompassing experts from various fields to ensure a balanced and informed decision-making process.

Health Care Professionals vs. Real Professionals

By 'real' do you mean those trained in fields such as epidemiology? No, they have not deemed it safe to reopen America. On the other hand, if 'real' refers to health care professionals such as emergency room physicians, then yes, they may agree on the necessity of reopening. However, these medical professionals have been critiqued for their modeling efforts, which have often been exaggerated. Contrary to popular belief, these models have not always been accurate, leading to a portrayal of an overly hasty reopening as a necessity.

The Reality Check

Many regions in the United States still experience a growing disease burden, posing a significant challenge to hospital capacities. Reopening too soon could lead to a catastrophic surge in cases, overwhelming the healthcare system. The risk outweighs the benefits until improvements are noted. Therefore, it is imperative that a decline in new cases is evident for at least 14 days in the context of adequate testing. Failing to show a decline in disease burden despite current lockdown measures suggests a higher likelihood of an increase in cases if lockdowns are lifted.

Beyond Health Care Professionals

The decision to reopen America should not be the exclusive domain of health care professionals. A holistic approach is needed that addresses the multifaceted challenges this crisis has brought forth:

A mental health crisis due to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. A budget crisis in state and local governments caused by tax revenue losses and increased healthcare costs. A child development crisis as a result of isolation and limited playtime. An education crisis from school closures and budget cuts. A political crisis, as seen in Michigan and other areas. An economic crisis that significantly impacts various sectors.

Health care professionals prioritize patient care and immediate health concerns. Their time and resources are limited, making it challenging for them to address broader social and economic issues. Therefore, a decision-making body composed of experts from diverse fields is essential. This includes economists, child development specialists, and state budget experts. Their input is crucial to ensure a comprehensive and balanced reopening strategy.

The Need for Holistic Decision-Making

The current decision to reopen America was a large-scale social experiment. It has not succeeded in its goals, and we need to learn from this experience. Decision-makers must listen to the wisdom of experts from various disciplines to weigh the consequences of different actions. They must then make decisions not just for healthcare but for the common good.

Whatever course our leaders choose, it will come with risks. The buck must stop with someone who can ensure that the decisions made prioritize the well-being and safety of the nation as a whole. This requires a collaborative effort to address the multiple crises brought about by the pandemic and ensure a sustainable and equitable reopening.