ABOUT KEEPING STORES OPEN

While the exact division of power in theU.S. Senate is yet to be determined, we do knowDemocrats will control theHouse and that Joe Biden is on track to become the 46th president. ...

As federal, state and local officialswork to address new spikes inCOVID-19 cases, it is vital that the next administration recognize what health experts have determined to be the leading source of new outbreaks — private household gatherings— and plan accordingly. ... Above all, the next administration must avoid advocating for the kinds of broad, indiscriminate shutdowns thatwere put in place across the country earlier this year. ...

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has already pointed to household gatherings as the biggest contributor to new cases ofCOVID-19, while there is currently no evidence pointing to indoor shopping centers, retail businesses and similar companies as the sources of new outbreaks.

In fact, shopping centers and retail businesses have been among the most assiduous in following experts’ guidelines. Early on, these businesses adopted rules requiring customers and employees towear amask at all times while in a store, andwent to great lengths to encourage proper social distancing. Employeeswork to enforce these rules, and signage onwalls, floors and checkout lanes remind customers of the importance of standing at least 6 feet fromothers. Thanks to this work, customers can safely shop for the goods they need to get through this pandemic, and employees can continue paying their bills and providing for their families.