Reopening a balancing act for states
Second wave of illness weighs on some minds
NEW YORK — On a weekend when many pandemic-weary people emerged from weeks of lockdown, leaders in the U.S. weighed the risks and rewards of lifting COVID-19 restrictions knowing that a vaccine could take years to develop.
Images of crowded bars, beaches and boardwalks suggested that some weren’t heeding warnings to safely enjoy reopened spaces while limiting the risks of spreading infection.
Some experts noted recent infection surges in Texas, including a 1,800-case jump Saturday, with Amarillo identified as a growing hot spot.
Texas officials said increased testing was playing a big role; the more you look for something, the more you find it. Many are watching hospitalizations and death rates in the weeks ahead to see exactly what the new Texas numbers really mean.
But Texas was one of the earliest states to allow stores and restaurants to reopen, and some experts worry that it is a sign of the kind of outbreak reignition that might occur when social distancing and other prevention measures are loosened or ignored.
“It’s likely that we’re going to see more of this” kind of increase, said Dr. Boris Lushniak, dean of the University of Maryland School of Public Health.
Many states have lifted stay-athome orders and other restrictions, allowing some types of businesses to reopen.
Ohio Gov. Mike Dewine, a Republican, said Sunday on CNN that he was concerned to see images of a crowded bar in Columbus, Ohio, on the first day that outdoor dining establishments were allowed to reopen.
“All of this is a work in progress,” he said. “We made the decision to start opening up Ohio, and about 90 percent of our economy is back open, because we thought it was a huge risk not to open. But we also know it’s a huge risk in opening.”
Florida Gov. Ron Desantis has suggested that early predictions were overblown as he attempts to lure residents back to public life and help rebuild the state’s battered economy. On Monday, Florida restaurants will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity, as can retail shops, museums and libraries. Gyms can also begin reopening.
New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo got tested for the new coronavirus on live television Sunday as he announced plans to expand testing. Any New Yorkers experiencing flulike symptoms or those returning to work as part of phased reopenings across the state can now get tested, Cuomo said.
“We’re all talking about what is the spread of the virus when you increase economic activity. Well, how do you know what the spread of the virus is? Testing, testing, testing,” he said.