So, relief from isolation appears to be happening in various states and countries. Covid cases appear to be declining and testing is increasing in most locations. The question is: is it too early to relax restrictions on movement, on gathering in large numbers, in business settings requiring close contacts? Many states believe now is the time to relax those strict controls, primarily to get people working again. Recent unemployment numbers of 36 million recent applications for benefits underscores the vast numbers of workers affected by business closures. A decline of 16.5% in retail sales is the worst on record over such a short time period. Airline traffic has declined over 90% since January. Hotel occupancy has also been reduced dramatically in the same period. Auto sales are another sector that has shown sharp declines.
This past week, Tesla Motors has agreed with Alameda County in Calfornia to open under certain conditions. This after CEO Elon MUsk sued the county to reopen his plant in Fremont, California. Workers had complained that the factory was not safe for line workers who could not observe recommended social distancing guidelines. Restaurants and other purveyors of prepared foods have been particularly hit by closure requirements. Many of these operations will never reopen, despite efforts to do so. Workers find it easier to remain at home and accept government checks to cover lost wages.
Counties with few cases and very small populations have been lobbying Sacramento for a lifting of state closure rules. Perhaps they have found a sympathetic ear in the Governor's office as Gavin Newsom is ready to lift some closures in those areas. Meanwhile, hotspots in Los Angeles and San Diego will have to wait longer.
El Dorado county has few cases and many local towns are asking for closure relief, but at the same time, asking visitors to stay away until better prevention methods are in place around the state.
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