Shutdown: It’s time to ease copycat restrictions

Some measures to mitigate COVID-19 seem counter-productive. Instead of copying each other, state and local officials should adapt rules to their own demographics.

Obviously, cities as densely populated as New York require strict controls, but by April 30, small towns and suburban communities should be able to relax a bit.

Under ordinary circumstances, businesses in the Puyallup-South Hill area have very few customers during the day. But with so many people staying home, supermarkets and home supply stores are becoming more crowded.

Their managements have responded by requiring customers to wait in line outside the doors. How does that help? Can you say “coronavirus parade?”

It would be better to disperse the population by letting people return to their normal schedules. Risky places like bars can still remain closed, large gatherings like outdoor concerts can still be banned, and some employees can still work at home.

Business owners can take their own preventive measures, like setting up shifts. But let’s end the hysteria and keep people healthy by opening parks and playgrounds! Also, allow residents of senior homes to be visited by designated caregivers from their families.

This story was originally published April 16, 2020 at 12:29 PM with the headline "Shutdown: It’s time to ease copycat restrictions."