Unity is necessary in pandemic’s next phase

We’re entering a crucial phase in our state and nation’s battle to limit the damage caused by COVID-19, as some areas are beginning the process of reopening.

As some restrictions are lifted, continued discipline will be required to avoid the dreaded resurgence of the virus.

There’s no denying that this has been a tough time for everyone. For close to two months we’ve been subjected to isolation from friends and loved ones. Businesses and even some government offices have been forced to close or scale back, and that has had a devastating economic impact.

Many workers are putting themselves in harm’s way to do essential work ranging from health care to ringing up groceries. Those lucky enough to be able to work from home face their own challenges, especially if they have school-age children. And our young people have had to sacrifice the cherished activities that go with the end of a school year. High school and college seniors have suffered a particularly harsh blow.

That only scratches the surface of a situation that few of us could have imagined as recently as early March.

By and large, people have done a great job trying to follow the social distancing guidelines established by government leaders. And for the most part there has been a spirit of unity based on the oft-repeated message that we’re all in this together.

But there are signs that this is starting to fray. There has been a series of protests against restrictions on business and other activities, and some of them have gotten ugly. This has engendered a nasty response from some defenders of government policies. For too many it’s become just another front in the ongoing political battle that’s polarized America for years.

Let’s remember that there are understandable concerns on both sides of this argument. People are right to be worried about the economic impact. And there are legitimate concerns about the health risks of opening up too soon. That’s especially true for those worried about having to go back to work when it’s not safe. The bottom line is that nerves are frayed, and understandably so. But we have to overcome it.

Even as some restrictions are lifted, continued discipline is going to be required to avoid the dreaded major resurgence of the virus. We must continue to work together and show understanding for one another.

President George W. Bush, who rarely makes public statements on current events, delivered a welcome one on this very topic during the weekend. In a video message, he called on Americans to put aside partisan differences, heed the guidance of medical professionals and show empathy for those stricken by the coronavirus and the resulting economic devastation.

“Let us remember how small our differences are in the face of this shared threat,” Bush said. “In the final analysis, we are not partisan combatants. We are human beings, equally vulnerable and equally wonderful in the sight of God. We rise or fall together and we are determined to rise.”

Let us remember that Bush himself was a political lightning rod for most of his presidency. Much like President Jimmy Carter, he has gained admiration from former foes by the way he has conducted himself since leaving the White House. That doesn’t necessarily mean they no longer disagree with his policies, but many have learned to embrace him as a person.

Let us think of our neighbors the same way. Disagree if you must, but show respect. Defeating this virus will be difficult enough with unity. Dissension will make it that much harder.

So as we approach this next phase and work toward resuming some semblance of normal lives again, let’s remember to be nice to one another, especially to the people who are out there working to keep us fed, healthy and safe. And continue social distancing by staying home as much as possible and taking necessary precautions when you have to go out. That means staying 6 feet apart from others and wearing a mask.

We’re all eager to get this over with. Let’s continue taking the steps necessary to make that happen.