On March 4, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency for California. The announcement was made for two reasons. One, to slow the spread of the coronavirus and protect our vulnerable population. The second was to maintain hospital capacity, to ensure a sufficient supply of beds for those who need them. A key element of the state of emergency was the closure of all but “essential” businesses.
The governor is now beginning to let some businesses open. This is a small but good step. But much more needs to be done.
Last week, Newsom announced his intent to begin phase two, allowing some retail, including clothing stores, florists, bookstores, sporting goods, manufacturing, and flower shops, to open with curbside pickup. Earlier in the week, Newsom mentioned that some counties may be able to move past phase two, should they meet specified criteria. We were hopeful, with San Diego County’s success to date, that we could safely allow even more businesses to open. Then we were informed that Newsom has established criteria that are almost certainly unachievable for our county anytime in the near future.
San Diego County has a population of 3.3 million. Under the new guidelines, San Diego County would need to have fewer than 330 new cases over 14 days, and also be able to administer 5,000 tests per day. With a countywide population of 3.3 million people, that means if only .01% of the county’s population tests positive, businesses such as restaurants and fitness centers would not be able to open.
Throughout this public health crisis, I have been determined to be guided by the facts. And the facts of the public health threat of the novel coronavirus are very real and have been deadly. The steps we have taken have made a difference and reduced the spread of the disease and provided our healthcare professionals the tools and facilities they need to combat the virus.
But there are other important facts that we have learned. For example, in the past seven weeks, 4.1 million Californians have filed for unemployment benefits. In San Diego County, businesses are closing, and our unemployment rate is now 26%. That number does not include the many self-employed, facing dramatically declining income, who have not yet filed.
An unemployment rate of 26% is a staggering number. The last time our nation has seen such a number was during the Great Depression of the 1930s.
Unemployment and closed businesses are also facts. As we work to control and eradicate this virus, each person must evaluate what level of risk is acceptable. Indeed, we all do that each time we get into our car or fly in an airplane or even walk on the sidewalk. There is always some small amount of risk in everything we do.
Anyone who doesn’t feel comfortable to go outside, or go back to work, shouldn’t. We should support those who believe they must stay quarantined for the time being and protect those most vulnerable, such as group homes. But we should also recognize that many San Diegans know they must be able to reopen their businesses or else they will never financially recover.
The goal at the beginning of this crisis was to reduce our hospital surge, protect our most vulnerable, and flatten the curve. Thanks to our county health officials and the prudent citizens of San Diego County, we have done that.
Now, however, Newsom has moved the goalposts again, putting forth a new criterion that isn’t attainable. San Diegans have shown their willingness to follow rules and are eager to get back to work. Restaurants need to open before they’re gone forever. Small businesses, which are the heart and soul of this country, are falling by the wayside. While the politicians in Sacramento engage in gamesmanship, I will be fighting to get San Diegans back to work, with a careful adherence to the public health rules that prevent the spread of this virus.
We’ve continued to abide by all rules, but enough is enough. We must begin to look at the steps many other counties in this state have done defying the governor’s orders.
As we move forward, I’m calling for all restaurants to open safely on May 21 and other businesses who are willing to follow the safety protocols to do the same. The citizens of San Diego are hardworking taxpayers who must be treated like adults. Let’s move forward and get our county open.
Jim Desmond serves on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
