“Those under 70 should be allowed to go back to work to get the economy running again. Those 70 and older should self-isolate.”
That is the obstacle; we are delivering groceries to an isolated older relative (who has opted not to join us, since a couple of us are still exposed by working). She is concerned she’ll contract something from not just interaction, but the packages.
It can’t disappear if not given a chance; bouncing it around among younger, healthier people doesn’t seem practical. I have issues with shutting everything down, but leaving businesses open - while you openly observe co-workers ignoring common sense - is very disturbing. I’m working remotely and I hate it, but wouldn’t be thrilled to return to an office with low-IQ people. I also have many co-workers over 60; don’t think they’re safe either.
The virus can live 24 hours on cardboard, 2-3 days on plastic or metal. So for food deliveries—put them in your fridge with gloved hands, and let them sit for a few days?
Most transmission is person-to-person.
Perhaps anyone who can work from home should continue to do so for some tine after people whose jobs cannot be done from home go back to work. Most of the working class people in this country have to be present at their jobs and cannot work from home. It seems that many of the people of great influence and making the decisions can work from home even if that means they are on television remotely from their homes. The elite of our country may not even personally know anyone in the working class, except possibly as a servant.
...concerned she’ll contract something from not just interaction, but the packages....
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FWIW, the chemist son of a friend is working with a team in the Twin Cities to test outside air and surfaces for persistent virus. I expect they will have some results within a week or so.
UPS put out a statement on their web site that the virus does not easily or readily persist on cardboard, paper or fiber.
Also: persistence is not contagion. President Trump tried to explain that in his last briefing when he said the virus degrades on surfaces along a half-life continuum. So, even if it persists, it quickly goes to 25% infectiousness or less. Simple moisture from humidity and rain/fog degrades it via increasing weight and causing it to drop to the ground
I think many will have to contract it and survive it and become immune. We simply don’t know when a vaccine will become available. South Korea is doing well. Even the Chinese might be doing well. That’s what spies are for.
If we wait too long we might not be able to help ourselves. There definitely will be economic damage. But is being shut down for months worth becoming a second rate power?
I’m worker around others right now. I’m not ashamed to admit I’m a bit scared for myself and family. There have been people with the virus at a facility that is in contact with mine. So I’m sort of facing the virus close up. But I’ll tell you this: this cannot continue much longer.