Thumbs up, thumbs down

Thumbs up to everyone in Gov. Ned Lamont’s circle who decided to go into self-quarantine after the governor’s spokesman tested positive for COVID-19. Such action should be standard operating procedure, but we’ve seen plenty of evidence that not every elected official sets the best example for containing the spread of the virus. Having made a public appearance Friday with Lamont before spokesman Max Reiss tested positive, U.S. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, along with Lt. Gov. Susan Bysiewicz, announced they would self-isolate. This is the kind of discipline that will be needed to stem the rise of COVID-19 cases in the weeks to come.

Thumbs down to the difficulties faced by students, parents, teachers and staff as more schooling goes remote. While everyone is better prepared for the shift now than they were last spring when the pandemic hit, there are still many challenges. And while many experts have said that students in masks could be as safe in a classroom as they would be anywhere, the obstacles to in-person learning are high, leading many districts to move in another direction. Whatever the circumstances, the situation can’t help but put a new strain on everyone involved, not least those parents who might be trying to do their jobs from home alongside their children.

Thumbs up to restaurants doing their best to prepare for a long winter of COVID keeping customers away. With the state reducing indoor capacity due to the last coronavirus spikes, restaurants are investing in creative ways to keep people coming to enjoy outdoor dining even as cold temperatures arrive. With everything from outdoor fire pits to tents and heaters aimed at keeping out the chill, restaurants are also looking to again increase takeout orders to keep their businesses afloat. Everyone is feeling the stress of the season, but those who are able to help support a local business in a time of need are urged to do so.

Thumbs up to Connecticut companies that are working to maintain the momentum of the Black Lives Matter movement by striving to diversify their hiring practices. Among the companies focusing on recruiting recent graduates are Synchrony, a state-based consumer financial-services firm, and transportation-andlogistics specialist XPO Logistics. Initiatives such as theirs will require years of commitment, but their success will be measurable. Aside from moral reasons to strive for equality, the firms that recognize it as a priority will likely yield the rewards of attracting the best talent.