As cases of the Wuhan coronavirus decline across the country and fear of the disease replaces fear of economic devastation, many regions across the United States are moving toward reopening. Devastated by job losses, an inability to gather with friends and family, and a yearning for the return of civil liberties, much of America is facing a happier May, with “open” signs flashing again.
But other states are facing the wrath of furious Americans tired of being told they can’t work and must stay home. In California, signs calling for the resignation of Gov. Gavin Newsom, calling him “Terrible Newsom,” flew over beaches in the southern part of the state. decided to ban access to the beaches for fear of crowding. Local political leaders, however, rejected the decision. Orange County Supervisor Don Wagner said in a statement that closing the beaches to his constituents was “unwise.”
“Medical experts tell us about the importance of fresh air and sunlight in fighting infectious diseases, including mental health benefits,” Wagner said. “Furthermore, Orange County citizens have been cooperative with California state and county restrictions to date. I am concerned that this state overreaction will undermine that cooperative attitude, as well as our collective efforts to combat the disease.”
Protests in Michigan, Illinois, New Jersey and other states still under strict restrictions have drawn national attention as governors like Gretchen Whitmer (D-MI) and Phil Murphy (D-NJ) vow to keep residents of their states under strict orders. Republican lawmakers in Michigan this week flatly rejected a 28-day extension of Whitmer’s state of emergency declaration, citing an abuse of power in a supposed democracy.
“The current status quo is based on blanket edicts that unfairly penalize millions of people across the state without giving them any choice or voice in the process,” said Michigan GOP House Speaker Lee Chatfield. “People deserve a better solution, and we can provide it.”
In piercing contrast to the unrest mounting in states like Michigan and California, stay-at-home orders and restrictions in other states began to ease in slow April. In line with the president’s direction to leave final decisions to each state’s governor, repeals of emergency orders and emergency regulations have been coming at varying speeds and in measured ways.
States in this Ohio, Texas, Alabama and Pennsylvania, however, have reversed many of their states’ most restrictive COVID-19 restrictions. Texas Gov. Abbott even passed one suspended order that residents of the Lone Star State didn’t miss. In all, stay-at-home orders have expired in 21 states since May 1.
Takeaway alcohol sales will continue after May 1.
From what I’m hearing from Texans, we can let this go on forever.#txlege
— Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) April 29, 2020
Starting May 1, Pennsylvanians will be able to return to the outdoors to resume construction projects, fishing, golfing and camping. More restrictions across the state will be lifted by next weekend, allowing the key Acela Corridor state to return to some semblance of normal life.
Iowa has eased restaurant closures, allowing one of the nation’s hardest-hit industries to reopen as long as they maintain a maximum capacity of 50 percent. Malls, gyms, racetracks and retail stores will also be allowed to reopen under the protocol.
As citizens tire of lockdowns, some regional health officials predict a prolonged need for lockdowns. Officials advising Washington’s mayor and her reopening advisory group said at a town hall on Wednesday that the nation’s capital should endure at least two months of strict lockdowns before any restaurants or businesses consider reopening.
While the question of treating and spreading COVID-19 remains largely unanswered, downward trends in deaths and recent hospitalizations have prompted many U.S. leaders to address the battered economy. Nearly 30 million Americans have filed for unemployment benefits as of this week, but long-term plans must be developed to replace emergency funding from the government, regardless of whether there is a cure for the Wuhan virus.
Editor’s Note: Want to support Townhall so we can continue to tell the truth about China and the virus they have unleashed on the world? Join VIP City Hall and exploit the promo code WUHAN to get 25% off VIP membership!
