Let free enterprise solve all of our COVID-19 challenges
Over the past several weeks there have been many opinions, data, and analysis on COVID-19 that leave many Floridians dazed, confused and often just plain scared. Predictions keep changing on a daily basis. This has gone to the extreme, leading the public to wonder if we have an unstoppable plague.
While some of our elected officials are calm and steady, others are politicizing issues at a time when we should be apolitical.
There is no doubt we are experiencing unprecedented medical obstacles and relentless death tolls from the virus. Many are also experiencing emotional and mental issues resulting from the shutdowns, mass layoffs and general doom.
It appears that the curve in Florida has finally flattened. We have top medical researchers from public and private sectors in the U.S. and other countries hard at work to develop better treatments and ultimately, a vaccine.
With the overall understanding that we now have of COVID-19, we are better prepared to deal with this infectious disease. It is now time to turn to the private sector to apply their ingenuity, creativity and grit to develop risk management solutions for each of their businesses.
These job creators need to be entrusted to get Florida back to work in a safe and careful manner. Americans clearly understand the new challenges ahead and we should tap those in the private sector who have every incentive to do the right thing.
As Chair of the Florida Chamber of Commerce, be assured our state’s researchers and free enterprisers are already working on antibody tests, vaccines and safety products that will get us through this global pandemic. Just as we’ve all been supporting our front-line health care heroes, let’s all band together to support local businesses and their efforts to bring solutions to market as quickly and safely as possible.
We’re all in this together and just as our health care professionals kept us healthy, our business leaders will help us safely relaunch Florida’s economy.
I am calling on business owners to act responsibly on behalf of their employees and customers. It is also time to shop locally, dine out safely and ramp up support of our local businesses.