Virus: The plan to save economy looks good

President Donald J. Trump’s plan to unlock the country, announced this evening, was a little different than what he had floated a day before.

The plan, aimed at state governors, is basically suggestions, rather than demands originally hinted at, because he has no authority to make demands. Since claiming that the President has limitless authority to do what he wants, some little bird must have whispered in his ear, “Mr. President, sir, no you don’t have that authority.”

The amazing thing is that Trump heeded the little bird. 

There is hope for the Republic.

In this opinion of this nonpartisan observer, the plan is measured and sensible and reflects the input of medical professionals Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx who shared the podium with the president.

It will be a “gradual process,” said the President with no timeline by dates. About a half-dozen states are at the so-called “gating” procedure that states must meet before reopening. Before moving onto the second and third phases, the gating criteria must once again be met, so there are safeguards for each phase of the reopening.

On balance, the plan, called “Opening Up America Again,” strikes me as a thoughtful plan and a plus for Trump. He gets credit if things go well, but governors catch blame if things go south. 

Here’s an outline of the program.

In general, according to the guidelines, states must have a downward trajectory of both influenza-like illnesses and COVID-19-like syndromic cases and also should either be a downward trajectory of documented cases or positive tests as a percent of total tests.

Phase 1 (States and regions that satisfy gating criteria):

Vulnerable individuals continue to shelter in place

In public places people should maximize physical distance from others

Avoid socializing in groups of more than 10 people where physical distancing cannot be maintained

Non-essential travel should be minimized

Employers should encourage telework whenever possible or return to work in phases with common areas closed

Schools that are closed should remain closed

Visits to senior living facilities and hospitals should be prohibited

Large venues, such as movie theaters, restaurants and sports arenas, can operate under strict physical distancing protocols

Elective surgeries can resume

Gyms can open if they adhere to strict physical distancing and sanitation protocols

Bars should remain closed.

Phase 2 (States and regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a second time):

Vulnerable individuals should continue to shelter in place

In public places people should maximize physical distance from others

Avoid socializing in groups of more than 50 people where appropriate physical distancing cannot be maintained

Nonessential travel can resume

Employers should encourage telework whenever possible and feasible with business operations or return to work with common areas closed

Schools can reopen

Visits to senior living facilities and hospitals should be prohibited

Large venues, such as movie theaters, restaurants and sports arenas, can operate under moderate physical distancing protocols

Bars may operate with diminished standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate

Phase 3 (States and regions with no evidence of a rebound and that satisfy the gating criteria a third time):

Vulnerable individuals can resume public interactions but should practice physical distancing

Low-risk populations should consider minimizing time spent in crowded environments

Unrestricted staffing of worksites can resume

Visits to senior care facilities and hospitals can resume

Large venues, such as movie theaters, restaurants and sports arenas, can operate under limited physical distancing protocols

Bars may operate with increased standing-room occupancy, where applicable and appropriate

What was missing was the plans for massive testing for both the virus and its antibodies that everyone says is necessary before we can think about true recovery.

Well, there’s always tomorrow.