Friends of the Pacific Electric Trail: COVID-19 PANDEMIC

The rush to reopen the nation too soon and allow employers to open their doors to re-stimulate the economy has turned out to not only be premature, but an economic and health disaster. Common sense has proven to be in short supply, and it was obvious that the states who caved to political and economic pressures, are experiencing the drastic rise in COVID-19 cases that have spiked to record highs. We gained nothing by this senseless exercise but a giant setback that will cost us more in the long run. Our hospitals are once again at the breaking point with full capacity and there is not an adequate amount of testing available to the highest risk segment of the community, much less, the general population. What so many are experiencing is “temporary amnesia” because they have convinced themselves that opening the economy will magically make the virus disappear, when in fact, the virus has now turned the corner with the premature reopening with disastrous results.

Photo by Gustavo Fring from Pexels

One does not need to have a crystal ball to predict the future. You just have to use common sense and adhere to the public health experts guidelines during this world-wide pandemic and continue to self-quarantine, social distance, wear face coverings when it is necessary to go out in public, wash your hands frequently and avoid large gatherings. For those who won’t listen and convince themselves and others that just because we are tired of staying at home, that is safe to go to the beach with tens of thousands of people who just want to have a day of fun in the sun, the results are proving disastrous. Many bars, salons, and other businesses who opened with minimum safety requirements for their customers and staff are now facing the grim reality of having to close their doors yet again. Faced with terrible choices of losing businesses, losing jobs, homes and all financial stability or chance losing our lives, some choose to ignore all warnings. Well, now we all must pay the price of ignoring the recommendations to shelter at home, and we are experiencing huge spikes in COVID-19 cases.

Photo by August de Richelieu from Pexels

Sheltering at home is the most courageous and yet the hardest thing we can do for our community and each other. It is a difficult and temporary sacrifice that will help diminish the curve of new virus outbreaks. This preventative, manageable gesture can make a significant difference in the spread of the virus. Self-isolating is not meant to be permanent; it is about being a good human who cares for others. Public health experts are working with private industry to develop a vaccine but that takes time.

Photo by Polina Tankilevitch from Pexels

One recent gesture of compassion and generosity came from Taiwan who donated face masks to three Native American tribes. ATAYAL Organization works with Taiwan to donate 3,000 face masks to Native American tribes in Washington State. Reminding us of generosity and genuine concern for mankind, renews my faith in humanity.

Taiwan news ***

It is no longer a question of returning to the pre-pandemic environment that existed as recently as four months ago. Under the relentless influence of the pandemic, the U.S. economy is being reshaped. There will be fewer jobs in airlines, hotels, restaurants, and traditional retail and more jobs in e-commerce and technology industries.

United Airlines announced plans to lay off more than one-third of its 95,000 workers. Brooks Brothers, which first opened for business in 1818, filed for bankruptcy, Pier One and many others are closing their doors and restructuring to an online business model. Welcome to resizing business as we once knew it.

The business model for our grandparents changed due to the industrial revolution. Our parent’s business model changed at the end of the wars and our population explosion. Now our economy and lifestyles are evolving again. Just as the aid’s epidemic slammed the door on the baby boomers, the lifestyle of the Free Love Generation, the COVID-19 pandemic will evolve our society and every other country on the globe in ways we cannot imagine.

Shifting workers from fading industries to the handful that are experiencing rising sales will not happen quickly. During the Great Recession, which began in December 2007, it took nearly 10 years for the unemployment rate to fall back to its 4.4 percent low.

For Levi Strauss, booming online sales were not enough to offset the impact of the closure of most of its retail outlets in March and April. The company said last week it would lay off 700 workers, aiming to trim quarterly expenses by $100 million.

Businesses must be conservative and cautious and resize their business for the worst-case scenario of an economy that does not bounce back.

Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels

As the virus has raged longer than first expected, some companies are concluding that they just do not need as many workers as they did in February, said Heidi Shierholz, former chief economist at the Labor Department. We may see the job market transform itself to more virtual employment model worldwide. But first we need to stop the viral spread and listen to those who have dedicated their lives to save our lives. Not to the loudest voice in the crowd, but the honest, educated, informed voice.