It’s as though the people making the decisions have decided to ignore both science and math. Ignoring all motives related to human decency, they at least should acknowledge the reality of exponential growth. My job went to 100% telework mid-March. My husband has to go into an office with at least 30 other employees, in a city that has ordered Shelter-in-Place. Everything he does can be done from home, and their business in no way meets the definition of essential. But if he refuses to come in to work he could lose his job and lose health care, salary, retirement benefits in a time where it will be difficult if not impossible to find another position.

I cannot put into words the dismay I felt when our Lieutenant Governor stated we should all go out and sacrifice ourselves for the sake of the economy. God help us if this attitude takes over. I’m not ready to die for the sake of someone’s stock portfolio.

There are folks who have no choice, the ones working the front lines in this crisis — health care, service industry, food distribution, essential workers in manufacturing, community services like sanitation, water, etc. These people have to show up in person for their jobs. Just as you said in your post, if enough of them fall sick, or die, we will face a far greater disaster than a temporary hit to the economy. I just wish the decision makers in every business could understand this.

Stay healthy, P.G. Barnett. I’m pulling for you.