‘I Believe It Will Boom’: Trump Announces Steps Toward Reopening America — Here’s The 411
With the battle against the virus going strong, he’s turning his attention to getting the economy back on track.
Naturally, his critics are already panning him for it.
But what IS the plan he’s proposing to kick the economy back into high gear and give American workers their lives and livelihoods back?
It’s centered around a three-stage return to normalcy, based on the criteria of ‘gating’.
Gating is a measurement tool being used to determine whether a particular region is ready to move forward with economic re-engagement, or whether it needs to hold off until the viral cases have been beaten back.
Experts say the nationwide curve has flattened and the peak in new cases is behind us. pic.twitter.com/5U5DE6CoHw
— The White House 45 Archived (@WhiteHouse45) April 16, 2020
Specific criteria have been laid out with named benchmarks that serve as guidance.
There will be no one-size-fits-all approach. Each will necessarily be responsive to local conditions, because naturally, not all states, and not even all counties within each state has comparable risk factors.
Specific expectations of government responsibilities, personal responsibilities, and even employer responsibilities are laid out as we return to the workpace and try to pick up where we all left off… more or less.
With all of those specified (which is to say, with the underlying science behind these considerations acknowledged), Trump turns our attention — at long last — to the path forward.
PHASE ONE
Phase One has specific plans for individuals, employers and which sorts of employers are reentering the workforce.
Individuals:
Keep rigid protections of our most vulnerable citizens in place. ‘Shelter at home’, and isolate as much as possible.
The rest of us, when in public, should apply our social distancing protocols. Keep a safe distance away from others, consider carefully whether you want to participate in gatherings of 10 or more people, avoid travel when it is not necessary.
Employers: offer work-from-home options where possible. Return to work ‘in phases’ when possible. Discontinue use of common areas where social interaction in close proximity is likely until risk decreases. Reconsider travel plans not of critical importance. Look for ways to accommodate staff at elevated risk.
Types of Employers: If your school/daycare etc is closed — stay closed; Hospitals and Retirement homes — no nonessential vistors; Large venues like restaurants, stadiums, theatres — open, while applying social distancing protocols; Elective surgeries — outpatient practice resumes; fitness centers — open, with strict sanitation protocols required; Bars — remain closed.
PHASE TWO
States that haven’t experienced a rebound, and have met criteria of gating a second time.
INDIVIDUALS: High-Risk persons are still protected as they continue to shelter in place; continue to apply social distancing in groups up to 50 people; non-essential travel resumes
Businesses: still in place from Phase One — telework; closing common areas; offering special accommodations for vulnerable people.
Specific types of employers: Schools can reopen; vists to retirement homes should remain prohibited; if anyone MUST visit, strict adherence to hygiene and safety could be applied; Elective surgeries — inpatient services resume; Gyms remain open — social distancing and sanitation to be followed; Bars — reopen at partial occupancy/capacity.
PHASE THREE
Individuals: High risk can return to public life, but exercise the same sort of caution others did in earlier phases; Others should minimize time spent in crowed environments.
Businesses: Unrestricted work practices resume.
Specific types of employers: Hospital & Retirement home visits can resume. Careful hygiene procedures should continue; large venues (like churches, stadiums, and restaurants) can operate under limited physical distancing protocols; gyms continue enhanced sanitation protocols; bars can offer increased occupancy levels