Americans are ready to get back to business, and – so long as they comply with a few new guidelines for modified freedom – they soon can. While members of the U.S. House of Representatives cowered in their homes and enjoyed the uninterrupted deposit of their paychecks, refrigerators replete with designer foods, and well-stocked pantries that would delight even the most extreme of preppers, President Trump tweeted a message of hope for the nation: “Many states moving to SAFELY & QUICKLY reopen!”
Montana, Colorado, and Tennessee began the process of reopening last week, while Texas and Ohio aim for May 1. Some neighboring states have formed coalitions to coordinate their efforts, but whether cooperatively or alone, most of the contiguous 48 states plan to get more or less back to normal sooner rather than later.
A thoughtful reopening was also discussed by Liberty Nation’s Graham J. Noble, who wrote:
“The hardest-hit states could remain in limbo for at least a few more weeks, yet, while less-affected states or counties could now quickly begin the transition back to regular activity. The next challenge for Trump will be how to deal with governors who drag their feet over the lifting of restrictions, even if their states are seeing rapid reductions in the numbers of new cases.”
Citizens in rural areas and the vast majority of Middle America are chomping at the bit for just a tiny taste of freedom. And how are governors of those states preparing and encouraging the safe return to near normal? Here’s a peek at some of the plans from across the nation.
The Lone Star State
Ah, Texas. The state where grandmothers conceal-carry hand cannons and bake cookies for PTA meetings. It also boasts the nation’s second largest economy – just behind California – and Republican Governor Greg Abbott is at the forefront of reopening and regenerating tax revenues. But he’s a savvy enough politician to temper his enthusiasm with a bit of restraint: "So we’re not just going to open up and hope for the best, instead we will put measures in place that will help businesses open while also containing the virus and keeping Texans safe."
Senator John Cornyn (R-TX) pushed for an approach to treat large metropolitan areas with caution while letting the rural areas open, claiming “public health has to be paramount.”
The Waffle House is Open!
Georgia Governor Brian Kemp is encouraging his citizens to wash their hands after every contact and remember that social distancing is still the safest bet when in public. His state released 39 new guidelines, asking employers to screen employees for fever and signs of illness, ensure each staff member wears a mask at all times, and to allow only ten customers per 500 square feet.
Much to the delight of patrons, the popular Waffle House is open. For some, this is akin to the dove bringing Noah an olive branch, as the diner rarely boards up its windows to weather a storm.
Fitness centers, bowling alleys, barbers, hair and nail salons, massage therapists, and tattoo parlors opened April 24. Theaters and restaurants on April 27. Unfortunately for frustrated and thirsty Georgians, the bars are still under lock and chain.
Seriously?
Most every state is releasing some restrictions except Illinois. The governor extended the stay-at-home order through the end of May. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer also extended her lockdown to May 15, though she eased up on outdoor activities like golf and motorized boating and is allowing outdoor professionals like landscapers, lawn-service companies, and plant nurseries to open if social distancing is employed.
California and New York, the hardest hit states, are working closely with the Centers for Disease Control and local health officials to organize a reopen in phases. They could be locked down until June depending on new cases, and, in many instances, the vast homeless populations in both states are the unknown x-factor.
The Heat is On
Whether or not public health is at risk, and whether or not some feel the “curve” of new COVID-19 cases isn’t flat enough, the uprising of Americans in cities to protest the lockdown has politicians begrudgingly following President Trump’s optimistic attitude and working to reopen states and boosting local economies. The pressure is on – and those hunkered down in mansions avoiding the work of the people on Capitol Hill will be held accountable soon enough.
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Read more from Sarah Cowgill.
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