Not everyone is on board with emergency declarations

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Hello everyone,

Yesterday, one reader objected to the use of the following sentence in yesterday’s column.

“A few claim (Governor)  Carney’s action was unconstitutional. This may be the same crowd that believes coronavirus is no more than a form of the flu.”

I responded by letting him know that this column is clearly labeled “Our View.” He shot back by saying  “I thought you reported news.”

The reader was right in one respect.

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Among those who object to the government having emergency powers to shut down businesses and taking other steps that limit personal liberties, some understand the dynamics of pandemics, as well as the reasons for washing hands and keeping one’s distance.

Others in this group have latched on to conspiracy theories and blogs. A few dimwits have held “coronavirus” parties.

On another side are the deathly afraid and authoritarian  “panic people” who latch on to their own blogs and take offense at  any form of  dissent from current orders.

Yesterday afternoon, Gov. John Carney, in an interview with Delaware Online, stated that Delaware is on a path to a few thousand coronavirus cases and hundreds of hospitalizations that will strain the capacity of the health care system.

Carney was especially concerned about the number of hospitalizations in relation to the total number of cases. Delaware has been dealing with outbreaks at long-term care facilities, although those cases account for a small percentage of those testing positive.

The projection also seems to come with the assumption that current measures will work to some extent as they have in the Seattle and the San Francisco Bay area.

Carney, who is cautious by nature, would not roll out these numbers on a whim.

His counterpart in Maryland, Larry Hogan, was blunter.  In an announcing a stay at home order yesterday, Gov. Hogan scolded Marylanders for not taking things more seriously  and warned of dire consequences especially in areas around Washington, D.C.

The numbers cited by Carney could end up being much worse if Delaware employers and residents  do not behave in a responsible manner.

I am sure Carney, a few months from now, would like to admit that he was wrong and that the actions taken worked so well that projections did not pan out.

As of now,  it is clear that the current approach, for all its pain and inconvenience, is necessary.

For another voice,  check out David Stevenson’s viewpoint.  – Doug Rainey, chief content officer.

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