State Rep. Bob Brooks: Getting Pa. to work while dealing with coronavirus
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During the early stages of the highly contagious coronavirus, we had little statistical information, but there was much concern over hospital space for treatment and the loss of lives. Health officials here and abroad are continuing to work to track and contain the pandemic. Our government has tried to slow its spread to give hospitals time to prepare for the consequences.
We know that the coronavirus is most dangerous to our senior population and those with immune deficiencies. For younger people, it can be similar to the flu, with some needing to be hospitalized but few deaths. One death is too many, because these victims are our loved ones.
The virus is a bully that is controlling our lives. I feel the stress and tension, and I worry for our families, communities and economy. But as we move forward for everyone’s short- and long-term well-being, we must get our commonwealth in working order.
To say educating our children is paramount would be an understatement. I believe Gov. Tom Wolf made a hasty decision to shut down our schools for the rest of the academic term. The school year could have been extended into late June or early July.
We need to continue to develop appropriate plans for our seniors to ensure hospitals do not get overloaded. In time, I hope that older adults who feel at risk will take only the risks they are comfortable with, such as eating a meal out, socializing in small groups or seeing their grandchildren.
The rest of us need to return to work. The use of technology has allowed some to work from home. However, we need to put our economy back on the right path. Unemployment has risen to beyond record levels. People are losing more of their savings and net worth more with each passing day.
Sooner rather than later, I believe that restaurants and bars should reopen their doors and resume business. I ask everyone to please heed the recommendations issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. At this time, I feel it would be premature to be in the presence of large groups such as concerts, sporting events and conventions.
It’s time to put our lives back closer to normal. I believe the federal government is close to declaring this same approach.
U.S. Sen. John Kennedy, R-Louisiana, said it best when speaking about gradually reopening the economy: “I’m not saying to put the economy ahead of public safety. … both of them are important. We know that the coronavirus can kill you — but so can poverty. (American workers) have been willing to stay home — but they’re not going to stay home much longer.”
Let’s put America back to work!
State Rep. Bob Brooks, a Republican from Murrysville, represents the 54th District.