Hello everyone,
Yesterday, I promised to pass along some ideas on reopening Delaware businesses today.
Thankfully, Gov. John Carney was first out of the gate with that he described as “baby steps” in reopening businesses.
Carney has reason to be cautious. The state has a big problem with an outbreak not far from the beach in Sussex County’s poultry processing area. (See the accompanying graph).
It did not help that Ocean City, MD chose to go its own way by reopening the beach and boardwalk on Saturday with no restrictions for out-of-the-area visitors.
The biggest takeaway from Carney’s Tuesday announcement – more businesses will be able to offer curbside service with essential workers able to get a trim at the salon or barbershop.
The governor’s most significant move was to order testing of all employees and residents of nursing homes. The move protects the most vulnerable Delawareans and health care workers.
Universal testing should also be ordered for all workers and their families at poultry plants in the area that extends from Milford to Millsboro. We now know that beef, pork, and poultry processing plants are epicenters for COVID-19. This is a national problem that will require leadership at all levels.
The same should apply to the state corrections system, which has done a good job of containing the virus but faces a long-term threat, especially as restrictions are lessened.
But back to the subject at hand. This week, I sketched out some ideas that might open the door a little wider without drawing big crowds and reassuring a nervous public that now knows coronavirus can be spread quickly by people with no symptoms.
- Open main street retail businesses in smaller downtowns in Delaware to businesses other than restaurants (still carryout only). I use the term (most) because some areas could see crowds.
- Allow optometrists to open with limited appointments and screening of customers and employees.
- Set up and provide technical assistance in developing reopening models for restaurants in consultation with industry leaders. This would involve crunching the numbers to determine whether an establishment can make a go of it, with limited seating.
- Allow elective surgeries at Delaware hospitals and surgicenters, with Hospital capacity is ample right now, with few signs of a surge.
- Allow appointments for dental practices for non-cosmetic procedures, with patients summoned from their vehicles.
- Lock down hotspots as they develop by closing all businesses other than grocery stores and pharmacies while limiting access. (The key is mass testing of such areas).
- Open beaches and boardwalks, Monday through Thursday, to residents observing social distancing.
- Strict enforcement of health codes for carryout restaurant businesses. I have seen a few examples that seem to suggest stricter enforcement. It also does not reflect well on establishments doing great work.
- Overhauling the state’s alcoholic beverage laws to allow for deliveries and shipments, a move that would reduce crowds.
- Allow openings of hotels using tough sanitation standards and other steps.
- Step up inspection efforts of all regulated establishments while protecting inspectors.
It should be noted that some businesses are getting ready to ramp up operations on May 15 – the day the current emergency order expires. Based on the current situation, more interim steps are likely.
Feel free to add your own ideas. Simply hit reply and type away. – Doug Rainey, chief content officer.
