So Whats Next?

        For the last couple months, I've been operating in testing sites as well as retirement homes through the state of Tennessee, and it has been an honor to witness the unity and pure goodness that stems from my fellow Tennesseans as well as having the opportunity to serve them. While conducting these missions I have also gotten to hear the struggles of my fellow Tennesseans who are mostly unemployed and continue struggling to coup with the new norm.   
         Now I understand that most of you are excited to put self-isolation behind us and resume what we once referred to as a normal life. But we can't blindly pursue normality and risk the lives of those most vulnerable. I would like to point out that I'm not opposed to reopening our economy, and yes before you say anything I truly understand Governor Cuomo and his supporters in saying that the "illness is death" and that nothing is worse than death. However, as it stands the federal government is failing to support small businesses while continuing to bail out major firms(Bailout Recipients). Thus, devastating small business which makes up, "over 99 percent of America's 28.7 million firms" (JPMorgan).  With that being said I feel as though we as a society should proceed with caution, and continue with the new social distancing habits that we have developed during these times of uncertainty as a society in order to continue protecting those with a compromised immune system and those more vulnerable to COVID-19 symptoms. Continue reading ahead to view a few of my recommendations on how we should proceed with reopening our economy.

(Figure 1:
Smyrna Walmart Nissan Dr)

• One system that has gained my attention is Walmart's, "One-Way Aisles," which are green and red stickers placed at both ends of an aisle that direct consumers to points of entry(Figure 1). Walmart's one-way aisles not only encourage social distancing but also significantly lower the chance of germs traveling through the air. 

• Another suggestion would be to continue designating the first and last hour of operation at supermarkets to those with a compromised immune system and those more vulnerable to COVID-19 such as the elderly, pregnant, and those with preexisting medical issues. 
• My final suggestion would be to authorize the department of health in making sure that businesses are offering one hour of their operation sanitizing common areas. However, if a business is not willing or simply doesn't have the resources to conduct its operation in such a manner it would have to offer its customer contact less pick or some sort of drive-thru system in place.

   In conclusion through this pandemic, I've had the honor of witnessing the best in my community and while also witnessing the struggles of those in it. Although I understand why most people look towards an extension of a stay at home order as the solution to shrinking the curve. It's also important to note that many Tennesseans are currently struggling to pay their living expenses and that a $1,200 stimulus is simply not enough. With that being said I feel as though Tennesseans should return to work and continue practicing social distancing to further shrink the curve.

Since resuming classes remotely, I have acquired 8 3/4 bases from commenting/replying under the daily posts and posting content on the main page! I'm from your section 11 class.