The re-opening has begun, a lot more than just Georgia - 18 total?

[jimnyc]

And thankfully, and hopefully the very beginning of a long long road to the end and recovery. But folks are starting to ever so slowly starting to reopen, and using every precaution possible. It's a LOT more than just what's listed here. Many many other places have started with smaller amounts, smaller communities within states and such. As you see, some never had stay at home orders. Seems like most are doing the right thing along with their plans to start getting things slowly going again. Testing testing testing, and as we see, the more we know, the better it's been, if you read it that way.

Like I said, here's the beginning, and a shorter list as I'm not going crazy gathering out there. So at least 18 states, in a very short lookup, that are about to start implementing various reopenings.

:saluting2::salute:

--

Alaska... Gov. Mike Dunleavy allowed personal services businesses and restaurants in most parts of Alaska to reopen April 24, but with restrictions.

Hair salons can only admit customers by reservation. Restaurants will have to keep distances between tables and can't exceed 25% of their normal capacity.

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Arkansas
Gov. Asa Hutchinson says he plans to open specific businesses over the next few weeks.

If those openings go well, social distancing protocols continue to be adhered to and the number of Covid-19 cases doesn't go up, the state will open up even more businesses on May 4.

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Florida (just poieces thus far)
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis issued a stay-at-home order for Floridians until April 30.

But, DeSantis is defending the decision made by local leaders to reopen the beaches as he awaits recommendations from Reopen Task Force

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Georgia
Gov. Brian Kemp started to ease restrictions April 24.

Gyms, fitness centers, bowling alleys, body art studios, barbers, hair and nail salons, estheticians and massage therapists were able to reopen April 24, with certain rules. Theaters and restaurants can reopen April 27, also with caveats.

The caveats include social distancing and screening employees for illness.

Bars, nightclubs and music venues will remain closed, for now.

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Iowa
Gov. Kim Reynolds has not declared a stay-at-home order. Reynolds issued a State of Public Health Disaster Emergency on March 17, ordering all nonessential businesses to close until April 30.

The governor formed an Iowa economic recovery task force consisting of state leaders and private business leaders and announced plans to discuss with education leaders about the possibility of reopening schools.

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Maryland ( a plan on deck and slowly reopening)
Gov. Larry Hogan will introduce his state's reopening plan April 24.

Hogan described the plan, "Maryland Strong Roadmap to Recovery" as "a safe, effective and gradual plan, which will allow us to reopen, to rebuild and to recover just as soon as it is safe for us to do so."

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Minnesota
Gov. Tim Walz says he will allow some businesses to reopen, beginning April 27. This will allow 80,000 to 100,000 people in the industrial, manufacturing and office settings to go back to work.

"Today's order was developed with consultation with hundreds of businesses, with labor groups, with worker's organizations, and with public health experts," he said.

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Mississippi
Gov. Tate Reeves says he will likely let the state's shelter-in-place order expire April 27.

Instead Reeves suggested he might narrow the directive to apply only to the state's high-risk population, such as the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

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Montana
Gov. Steve Bullock has announced a gradual and phased reopening of the state beginning April 26 for individuals, and extending to businesses April 27.

Main street and retail businesses can become operational on or after April 27 if they adhere to requirements to limit capacity and maintain strict physical distancing.

Restaurants, bars, breweries, and distilleries can begin providing some in-establishment services beginning May 4.

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North Carolina (less than 2 weeks from now)
Gov. Roy Cooper extended a stay-at-home order, now set to go through May 8.

On April 23, Cooper said the state could open in three phases after May 8, if coronavirus cases continue to trend downward:

•In Phase 1, stay-at-home orders would remain, but some businesses would be allowed to open.

•Phase 2 would lift stay-at-home orders, though vulnerable populations would be encouraged to stay home. Places of worship, bars and restaurants could operate with reduced capacities.

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North Dakota
Gov. Doug Burgum says the White House's guidelines to reopen are "inputs" and the decision to reopen resides with the state.

"Whatever the White House guidelines, whatever other states are doing, all those things are inputs, but the decision making resides here in North Dakota and we'll do what's best for the state of North Dakota," Burgum said.

North Dakota is one of the states that has not issued a stay-at-home order. Only schools, restaurants, fitness centers, movie theaters and salons were shut down.

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Oklahoma
Gov. Kevin Stitt says some businesses can reopen Friday.

The plan involves three phases, and Stitt cautioned "we will not move to the next phase until the data tells us that it's safe to do so."

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Pennsylvania (another in about 2 weeks)
Gov. Tom Wolf wants to reopen the state in three phases beginning May 8th.

The phases will be broken down into three colors red, yellow and green, and will follow the data, according to Governor Wolf.

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South Carolina
Gov. Henry McMaster announced that at 5 p.m. on April 20, some retail stores will be allowed to open, including those selling furniture, books, music, flowers, clothing and accessories, as well as department stores, sporting goods stores and flea markets. They will be allowed to open at 20% capacity, or 5 people per 1,000 square feet.

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South Dakota
Gov. Kristi L. Noem has not issued a stay-at-home order.

"We have seen such an outstanding call to action among the people of South Dakota that we actually have more people staying home than many of the other states that have put in shelter in place orders and have put together directives to tell people they can't leave their homes," she said at a town hall hosted by South Dakota Public Broadcasting on April 15.

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Tennessee
Gov. Bill Lee said restaurants will be allowed to open on Monday and retail outlets next Wednesday at 50% capacity.

"We are working around the clock to get Tennesseans safely back to work in 89 of our counties with the majority of businesses in a position to begin opening their doors next week," Lee said.

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Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott ordered all Texans to stay home through April 30.

Instead of kicking off a full restart, the Texas governor announced April 17 that a group of medical and economic experts will guide him through a series of incremental steps aimed at slowly reopening the state's economy.

"Opening in Texas must occur in stages," Abbott said during his briefing Friday. "Obviously, not all businesses can open all at once on May 1." A premature opening of private businesses, he said, would risk further outbreaks and "be more likely to set us back, rather than to propel us forward."

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Utah
Gov. Gary Herbert extended the state's "Stay Safe, Stay Home" directive through May 1. Schools will be closed for the remainder of the year.

Utah has not issued a stay-at-home mandate.

[SassyLady]

Drummond

Now you have more than Georgia to worry about ......

[Kathianne]

@Drummond (http://www.debatepolicy.com/member.php?u=2287)

Now you have more than Georgia to worry about ......
Hells bells, isn't Sweden a heck of a lot closer?

[jimnyc]

Hells bells, isn't Sweden a heck of a lot closer?

I wonder what Iran thinks of any of our states starting to open with caution and responsibility?

[Abbey Marie]

I’m glad we are not yet on that list. But the point is probably moot, because we will now have to deal with the opening of a much more infected Pennsylvania. We are just a few blocks from the border, and I saw a lot of PA license plates on our roads today.

As I’ve said before, opening some is almost tantamount to opening them all.

The Governors are opening either because they are Republican, or because they caved to pressure from constituents.

[Kathianne]

I wonder what Iran thinks of any of our states starting to open with caution and responsibility?
Help me, I'm missing the Iran connection.

[jimnyc]

Here's an article dated today with a list. I have placed those in bold that are reopening or are about to: (and mostly all others appear to be on the verge of a cautious reopening as well). While a ton of attention was placed on Georgia, as you can see the list of openings is very large!!


Alaska
On April 24, Alaska began allowing restaurants to resume dine-in service and retail shops and other businesses to reopen, all with limitations, under an initial phase of a plan to restart parts of the economy. At least one city, Juneau, asked that business owners wait for local officials to weigh in.

Gov. Mike Dunleavy and health officials have issued a number of health orders as a part of the phased Reopen Alaska Responsibly Plan.

Arizona
On April 22, Gov. Doug Ducey announced that hospitals and outpatient centers could resume elective surgeries on May 1, the same day a statewide stay-at-home is set to expire. That order could be modified, extended or expire at that time, Ducey said.

Arkansas (at least partially)
Gov. Asa Hutchinson announced April 22 the state wold begin lifting restrictions on elective medical procedures beginning the following week.

Decisions on whether to lift restrictions on restaurants, gyms, barbershops, beauty salons and large venues would also be announced at the end of April and into the first days of May, he said. Those decisions will come after the state conducts a two-day "surge" of testing in late April.

California
Gov. Gavin Newsom said April 22 that California was not prepared "to open up large sectors of our society" but made the first modification to the state's stay-at-home order with the resumption of "essential" surgeries.

“Tumors, heart valves, the need for people to get the kind of care they deserve," Newsom said. "If it’s delayed, it becomes acute. This fundamentally is a health issue.”

The guidelines became effective immediately.

Meanwhile, San Diego announced April 24 that beaches could reopen for various forms of exercise beginning at sunrise on April 27. Boardwalks, piers, and parking lots remained closed; gatherings were still banned and beachgoers should maintain social distancing and wear a face covering, the city said.

Colorado
One week before the state's stay-at-home order lifts April 27, Gov. Jared Polis announced the next phase, called "safer at home": The goal is for Coloradans to maintain 60%-65% social distancing, and vulnerable residents should continue to shelter in place.

Polis said the state will work with non-essential businesses on guidelines to phase in reopening beginning May 1.

Personal services – such as hair salons, dog groomers and tattoo parlors – can reopen with strict guidelines in place. Retail can open for curbside April 27; there will be phased-in opening for in-person operations beginning May 1. Gyms remain closed.

Schools will remain closed, and bars and restaurants will not immediately reopen.

Delaware
Reopening the state will happen in phases, according to a April 23 statement from the Gov. John Carney. The state doesn't want to fully reopen its economy yet because it wants to avoid a resurgence in new cases.

Reopening would start with opening up certain sectors such as restaurants, gyms, theaters and churches, while still requiring social distancing in those places. Schools and bars would likely not be among the first to reopen, and people would still be asked to work remotely if they can.

Florida
Gov. Ron DeSantis gave some municipalities the green light April 17 to reopen beaches with restricted hours for walking, biking, hiking, fishing, running, swimming, taking care of pets and surfing. In Jacksonville, people enthusiastically flocked to beaches when they reopened, drawing criticism on social media. DeSantis said schools would remain closed through the end of the academic year.

On April 20, he also announced a “Re-Open Florida Task Force,” whose executive committee includes 22 elected officials and corporate executives, such as president of Walt Disney World Resort Josh D’Amaro and CEO of Universal Orlando Resort John Sprouls.

DeSantis has asked his state coronavirus task force for recommendations around late April on a plan for the first phase of reopening the state.

Sarasota's beaches will reopen on a limited basis April 27.

Georgia
Gyms, tattoo parlors, hair and nail salons, massage therapists and other businesses were allowed to reopen in Georgia on Friday, April 24, less than a month after the state forced them to close amid the coronavirus pandemic.

In-person religious services could resume over the April 25-26 weekend, and restaurants and theaters can reopen on April 27.

Idaho
Idaho Gov. Brad Little announced on April 23 a four phase plan to begin on May 1 for restoring normal activity in Idaho. His stay-at-home order remains in effect until April 30. Little didn't say if that will be extended.

Little’s plan will begin with similar conditions to his stay-at-home order with both public and private gatherings to be avoided. Churches and almost all retail shops could open as long as they follow strict physical distancing guidelines and other protocols.

Indiana
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb said routine care like dentist's offices, abortion clinics, dermatology offices and veterinary clinics will be reopened on April 27, assuming things continue to move in a positive direction.

Holcomb's latest order went into effect on April 20 and ends on May 1. However, intermediate adjustments will likely be made on April 27. All of the policies regarding staying at home except for essential activities are still in place.

The order begins a potential progression of easing restrictions on health care providers to perform elective procedures. The state banned elective procedures on March 23 in order to preserve providers' personal protective equipment, or PPE, and dedicate all resources to an expected surge of COVID-19 patients.

Iowa
Gov. Kim Reynolds said on April 24 she will allow elective surgeries and farmers markets to open with some restrictions. She described it as a first step in a long process of reopening Iowa's economy.

Kentucky
State officials described how a phased reopening of health care services in Kentucky will begin April 27.

Providers will be able to resume nonurgent health care services, diagnostic radiology and lab services in clinics and medical offices, physical therapy settings, chiropractic offices, optometrists and dental offices.

Gov. Andy Beshear has described cautious, phased plans to reopen places that have closed or restricted their activity.

"We've got to do it smart, we've got to do it safe and we've got to do it gradual," Beshear said. "None of us want us to reopen our economy in a way that sets us back, causes a spike that means more people have died and keeps our economy closed for longer."

Louisiana
Gov. John Bel Edwards will reveal details of the planned phase one May 1 reopening of the state as soon as April 27, but warned the easing of restrictions will be gradual and come with conditions.

Edwards doesn't plan to extend the order, but instead replace it with a schedule of reopening the economy if the state continues to see its trajectory of cases, hospitalizations and symptoms stabilize and decline.

Maryland
Gov. Larry Hogan said April 24 that Maryland could be ready by early May to begin phase one of its three-phase recovery process.

Maryland isn't ready to lift restrictions right now, but the governor said he's optimistic.

Phase one: Lifting the stay-at-home order, reopening many small businesses and restarting low-risk community activities

Phase two: Allow for a larger number of businesses to reopen, including restaurants and bars, with significant safety precautions in place.

Phase three: Begin permitting larger events and lessening restrictions even further.

“If we try to rush this and if we don't do it in a thoughtful and responsible way, it could cause a rebound of the virus, which could deepen the economic crisis, prolong the fiscal problems and slow our economic recovery,” Hogan said.

Michigan
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer signed an executive order April 24 that extended her stay-at-home edict past its May 1 expiration, but also alters it to relax some regulations.

Among the changes, the order:

Allows certain businesses that had been closed, like plant nurseries and bicycle repair shops, to reopen, but under social distancing guidelines.

Permits some outdoor activities, including motorized boating and golf, to resume, though the use of golf carts still is prohibited.

Says businesses which had been restricted or closed because they were deemed to provide nonessential items can reopen, but only for curbside pickup or delivery. And it allows large retailers to reopen certain parts of their stores, like their garden centers or paint sections.

Minnesota
Some businesses will be able to reopen April 27 under an executive order signed April 23 by Gov. Tim Walz.

The order will allow "industrial, manufacturing and office-based businesses that are not customer-facing to return to work beginning on Monday," with conditions, Department of Employment and Economic Development Steve Grove said during the conference.

Another executive order closed schools in Minnesota through the end of the school year.

Previously, on April 17, Walz signed an executive order that reopened outdoor recreational businesses, including golf courses, bait shops, public and private marinas and outdoor shooting ranges. The order went into effect the following day and requires residents to adhere to social distancing guidelines recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Mississippi
Gov. Tate Reeves on April 24 issued a new executive order for Mississippians that he calls "Safer-at-Home," which allows most retail stores to open with certain guidelines, but keeps other businesses closed.

"We are starting to reopen out economy," he said. "But we are not slamming the door wide open. It's not a light switch that you turn on and off. It's a dimmer."

The new order takes effect at 8 a.m. April 27 and will remain in effect until May 11.

It will allow clothing, gift and other retail locations to open, but owners and managers must take precautions such as sending home sick employees, wearing masks in common areas, using proper sanitation procedures, providing hand sanitizer for customers and limiting the number of customers at any given time.

Reeves said the businesses that won't be allowed to open are ones that generally involve close, interpersonal contact, such as movie theaters, museums, casinos, entertainment venues and gyms.

Montana
On April 22, Gov. Steve Bullock announced a phased reopening plan that allows church services to resume April 26 and retail businesses on April 27 "if they can adhere to requirements to limit capacity and maintain strict physical distancing."

Restaurants, casinos, bars, breweries and distilleries can open May 4 with limited capacity. Schools will can return to "in-classroom teaching delivery at the discretion of local school boards" on May 7.

Nevada
Gov. Steve Sisolak on April 21 unveiled a framework to gradually restart the state’s economy — starting with gyms, certain restaurants and some outpatient surgery facilities, and working slowly toward casinos and other nonessential businesses first shuttered on March 17.

The first-term Democratic governor said he didn’t have a firm date when the first of those businesses can expect to reopen, a process he said would depend on the state’s progress toward an array of virus testing and containment criteria set by state and federal health experts.

Sisolak said Nevada schools will remain closed for the rest of the school year.

Nebraska
Gov. Pete Ricketts announced on April 24 plans to loosen the state's coronavirus restrictions on May 4.

Ricketts said he will relax restrictions in 59 counties, including Douglas, Sarpy and Cass in the Omaha area, but not Lancaster, which includes Lincoln.

The new orders, which will be in effect until May 31, will allow restaurants in chosen counties to reopen their dining rooms with reduced occupancy and other restrictions.

Salons and tattoo parlors in those areas will be allowed to reopen as long as they prevent more than 10 people from gathering in one place. The state will also relax restrictions on day care centers in those regions, allowing up to 15 children per room instead of the current 10.

Statewide, Ricketts said churches will be allowed to resume in-person services, weddings and funerals with some restrictions.

Nebraska is one of the handful of states without a formal stay-at-home order, although many of the restrictions Ricketts imposed are similar.

New Mexico
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham on April 22 presented criteria the state would use to determine if the state's hospital system had the capacity to allow business to resume in phases.

Some non-essential businesses would reopen in the first phase while gatherings would still be prohibited. In subsequent phases, more business would be allowed to reopen while requirements for physical distancing and limits on gatherings would remain in effect.

No dates have yet been set for when those phases may begin.

New York
On April 18, New York joined Connecticut and New Jersey in opening up their marinas, boatyards and boat launches for recreational use.

The state updated its guidance for golf courses, opening the door for public and private courses to open. Golfers will have to walk the course and carry their own bags without a motorized cart, according to Dani Lever, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo's communication director.

North Carolina
The state's stay-at-home order will extend through May 8, Gov. Roy Cooper announced April 23. When trends improve, the state will use a three-phase approach to gradually ease restrictions.

"If our infections spike or our benchmark trends start to move in the wrong direction, we may have to move back to a previous phase to protect public health," Cooper said.

In phase one, a stay-at-home order remains in place, but people can leave home for more commercial activities (including shopping at certain retail stores). Among the other changes in the first phase: Gatherings would be limited to no more than 10 people but parks can open, subject to gathering limits.

North Dakota
Trump said on April 18 that North Dakota "advised nonessential businesses to prepare for a phased reopening starting May 1." Burgum said April 21 the state plans to increase testing and contact tracing to protect residents and meet White House guidelines to put people back to work.

Ohio
Gov. Mike DeWine announced on April 22 an easing up on the prohibition of elective surgeries during the coronavirus pandemic.

DeWine said that doctors can now review postponed procedures and surgeries with patients in terms of their current health situation and quality of life, after which doctors and patients can make a joint decision about whether to proceed.

On May 1, the state will implement a "gradual" plan to open, Gov. Mike DeWine said April 16. More details are expected in late April.

Oklahoma
Gov. Kevin Stitt enacted a plan called "Open Up and Recover Safely" April 22 that allows personal care businesses to open April 24 by appointment only.

These include hair salons, barber shops, spas, nail salons and pet groomers and must follow sanitation and social distancing guidelines. Customers are encouraged to wait in their cars until the time of their appointments.

Churches will open May 1 "if they leave every other row or pew open" and follow social distancing measures. Restaurants, movie theaters, gyms and tattoo parlors (by appointment only) can also open May 1.

Oregon
Starting May 1, Oregon medical providers can resume non-urgent medical procedures, Gov. Kate Brown announced April 23.

Brown had ordered providers to stop doing non-emergency procedures in an effort to preserve hospital space and protective gear like gowns, masks and gloves to care for COVID-19 patients.

The move is what Brown calls a "step forward" as the state ponders loosening some restrictions meant to limit the spread of new cases of COVID-19.

Pennsylvania
Gov. Tom Wolf announced on April 22 a three-phase, color-coded plan that will be used to reopen the state's counties in the coming weeks; select restrictions could be lifted in some areas as soon as May 8.

He said several metrics will be used to move counties from red, yellow or green status.

"Red, obviously, is the phase we are in right now," Wolf said. "The move to yellow and green will be data-driven, evidence-based decisions. Right now we are looking at counties that have under 50 cases per 100,000 individuals over the course of 14 days to return to work."

Wolf said the move to yellow would lift stay-at-home restrictions in favor of aggressive mitigation and would open in-person retail, although curbside and delivery is preferable. Indoor recreation, health and wellness facilities and all entertainment would remain closed. Restaurants and bars would be limited to carryout and delivery.

Wolf also announced that he will reopen construction in the state beginning on May 1, moved up from May 8.

After state liquor stores were closed in March, the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board is now allowing select stores to offer curbside delivery.

Previously Wolf signed a bill to allow online notary services so online auto sales can resume.

Rhode Island
Gov. Gina Raimondo on April 22 announced plans to roll out a staged reopening of parks and beaches in the coming weeks, citing encouraging virus statistics.

“It is my hope that we will be able to enjoy our parks and beaches in some form or fashion in the month of May,” she said.

Raimondo vowed to restart the economy and ease restrictions as soon as possible, but safely so the state does not end up “back in this mess.”

South Carolina
Gov. Henry McMaster announced a plan April 21 called "Accelerate South Carolina" to "stomp on the gas" and reopen certain sectors of the economy.

Clothing, department, furniture, jewelry and sporting goods stores, as well as florists and flea markets can reopen but will be forced to operate at reduced capacity. The closure on beaches will be lifted, though it will be up to local officials to decide on the reopening of specific beaches.

The order still encourages social distancing directives to be followed. Barber shops, beauty salons, bingo halls, gyms and nightclubs must remain closed for now.

Tennessee
Restaurants in Tennessee will be allowed to open April 27 for dine-in service with reduced capacity, Gov. Bill Lee announced.

Lee, who has said he will not extend a statewide stay-at-home order past April 30, also announced that retail stores will be permitted to reopen on April 29.

Both types of businesses must initially limit the number of customers to 50% of their regular capacity. The state will release additional guidance those stores and restaurants must follow in order to reopen.

The all-clear to reopen those businesses next week does not apply to Tennessee's largest cities, including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville and others, where local authorities are determining their own reopening plans.

Texas
Gov. Greg Abbott announced executive orders April 17 that will ease some of the restrictions on retail stores and parks, but he said all schools, public and private, will remain closed for the rest of the school year.

The state will reopen “massive” amounts of businesses soon, Abbott said April 22, teasing an imminent return of hair salons and restaurant dining.

State parks reopened and nonessential surgeries also resumed this week; retailers were allowed to sell items curbside. Abbott says more relaxed restrictions are coming on April 27.

Utah
As the state's "Stay Safe, Stay Home" directive is set to expire May 1, Gov. Gary Herbert allowed elective surgeries to resume April 22, the first step toward easing restrictions in Utah. Herbert also outlined plans to gradually open up businesses in the early May.

The "Stay Safe, Stay Home" directive is merely a suggested guideline and is not mandated.

Vermont
Gov. Phil Scott said on April 24 he will allow small crews of five workers or less to work outdoors or in unoccupied structures.

Scott is also allowing manufacturing and distribution businesses to open with a maximum of five employees or fewer staying six feet apart. Outdoor garden centers and greenhouses will also be allowed to open with some restrictions.

For businesses that are already open using curbside service, Scott asked them to continue to operate with the minimum number of people.

On April 17, Scott announced plans to reopen some businesses – under restrictions – on April 20. Farmers markets can reopen in limited capacities, starting May 1.

Virginia
Gov. Ralph Northam on April 24 announced a phased reopening plan. Northam said the administration is monitoring several key data points to inform their decisions.

During the first phase, social distancing will continue, teleworking will be encouraged and the state will still recommend wearing face coverings in public.

Northam plans to ease restrictions in all regions of the state at the same time.

Washington
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee on April 24 announced a plan that allows existing construction projects to resume as long as strict coronavirus social distancing protocols are in place.

Previously, Inslee had said the state will not be able to lift many of the stay-at-home restrictions implemented to fight the coronavirus by May 4 — the date through which the current directive is currently in place — but that he hoped health modeling in recent days would allow resumption of some activities.

West Virginia
West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice on April 24 rolled out aggressive steps to reopen daycares and restaurants without setting specific benchmarks on testing, equipment and coronavirus tracking. The strategy comes days after he announced hospitals will resume elective procedures as early as next week.

Wyoming
Certain businesses can potentially begin reopening in the weeks ahead, Gov. Mark Gordon announced on April 23.

State officials meanwhile unveiled a system of stoplight colors for informing the public about prevalence of the virus and hospital capacity to handle severe cases.

Orders closing schools and businesses ranging from bars and dine-in restaurants to nail salons have been in place in Wyoming since March 19.

https://news.yahoo.com/us-reopening-states-relaxing-social-125225568.html

[jimnyc]

Help me, I'm missing the Iran connection.

Was just being goofy, as if I care in some manner what Iran thinks of what we may do or not do! I figured if they say it's not time yet, we should perhaps listen to them? Ok, maybe not. :)

[jimnyc]

‘It’s Time’: Grassroots Campaign Calls On Governors To Reopen The Country


Heritage Action for America is launching a campaign that calls on governors to “open American society,” arguing that citizens should be able to travel and operate businesses — with proper limitations in place.
The U.S. economy has been shattered by coronavirus lockdown orders, with now more than 26 million people filing for unemployment benefits.
Some states — such as Georgia, South Carolina and Oklahoma — have begun lifting their stay-at-home orders, but many other states remain under lockdown.


One of the leading conservative think tanks in the country is launching a campaign to push governors to phase out their coronavirus-related stay-at-home orders and allow the U.S. to open back up.

Heritage Action for America, the advocacy arm for the Heritage Foundation, has launched a petition telling every governor to “open American society.” Heritage is arguing that U.S. citizens — with the proper limitations — should be free to travel, that businesses be allowed to open back up to the public, and that Americans are responsible for getting themselves tested when needed.

“Governors, in particular, have a unique role to play in reopening American society as quickly as possible. Our petition puts lead on that target,” Jessica Anderson, the organization’s executive director, said in a statement to the Daily Caller News Foundation.

“Heritage Action has heard from thousands of grassroots activists across the country concerned about orders restricting civil liberties and banning many essential businesses from opening — this petition gives Americans a voice to fight back,” Anderson continued.

Rest - https://dailycaller.com/2020/04/25/heritage-governors-economy-reopen-coronavirus/

[jimnyc]

Might as well add these in here, all related to reopening somehow. The common theme I do see in those prepping is precautions, guidelines, slowly... The right way.

--

Protest Caravan Takes Over Las Vegas Strip Demanding Governor Sisolak Reopen Nevada

A protest caravan took over the Las Vegas strip on Friday calling on Democrat Governor Sisolak to reopen Nevada.

The protest dubbed ‘America’s First Interactive Drive-thru Caravan’ was organized by conservative radio host and friend of The Gateway Pundit, Wayne Allyn Root.

Wayne Root said police told him they estimated 8,000 people attended the protest.

The demonstrators drove down the strip demanding businesses reopen after only 200 Coronavirus deaths in the entire state of more than 3 million people.

Rest - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/04/protest-caravan-takes-las-vegas-strip-demanding-nevada-reopen-video/


MUST SEE VIDEO: California Doctors of Immunology Say Only Sick and Elderly Should be Quarantined, Businesses Should Open, and State is Pressuring Drs. to Add COVID-19 Numbers

Two California doctors of immunology and owners of a Bakersfield Urgent Care facility say only the sick and immuno-compromised individuals must be quarantined, not healthy people.

Via KIRO News 23 –Doctors Dan Erickson and Artin Massihi said their facilities have tested over 5,200 patients for the coronavirus throughout the county, making up for over half of all testing in Kern. According to their data, the death rate of the coronavirus is similar in prevalence to the flu.

Dr. Erickson says there is something much larger at play here.


Dr. Erickson: ER doctors now, you know, the friends that I talk to are saying you know it’s interesting that when I’m writing up my death report I am being pressured to add COVID. Why is that? Why are we being pressured to add COVID? To maybe increase the numbers and make it look worse than it actually is?… This is not about science and it’s not even about COVID. When they use the word “safe” the word safe is about controlling you. So when I talk to all of my ER doctors who work in a hospital with no stake in the game, same opinion.

Dr. Erickson then goes on to praise the Swedish model in keeping the economy open with some social distancing during the pandemic.

Rest and video - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/04/must-see-video-california-doctors-immunology-say-sick-elderly-quarantined-businesses-open-state-pressuring-drs-add-covid-19-numbers/

[jimnyc]

--

Reopening of America accelerates as states prepare to relax coronavirus restrictions

Ready or not, America is opening back up.

The process that began in recent days with back-in-business nail salons and unbarred sandy beaches in a scattering of states is poised to accelerate over the coming week across wide swaths of the country. After shutting down much of American life in March and keeping people home throughout April, governors are preparing to lift restrictions as the calendar turns to May - and cross their fingers that the novel coronavirus doesn't come roaring back.

In Tennessee, customers will be able to sit down for meals in restaurants starting Monday. In Missouri, the coming week will be the last before the state allows "almost every business" to reopen. And in Idaho, churches and other places of worship could be unlocking their doors by next weekend.

The easing will not be universal. In states such as New York, where covid-19 has exacted its heaviest toll, there is no letup to the rules in sight. And even in places where restrictions are being relaxed, governors have emphasized the need to proceed cautiously, lest they unleash a second wave.

Rest - https://www.thehour.com/news/article/Reopening-of-America-accelerates-as-states-15226336.php

[Kathianne]

Was just being goofy, as if I care in some manner what Iran thinks of what we may do or not do! I figured if they say it's not time yet, we should perhaps listen to them? Ok, maybe not. :)

I get that. The Sweden reference was in distance to UK, where they never locked down, going for herd immunity. It's not been going well, but think UK would have more concerns about Swedes than US just opening now?

[Drummond]

@Drummond (http://www.debatepolicy.com/member.php?u=2287)

Now you have more than Georgia to worry about ......

So I see, Sassy.

Well at least our own lockdown is stopping flights from coming in (passenger aircraft, anyway ... not so sure about freight). May our commonsense help save us from a lack of it, elsewhere. The strong and implacable rule of law here in the UK helps maintain us all.

I'll put it no more strongly than that.

[Drummond]

I get that. The Sweden reference was in distance to UK, where they never locked down, going for herd immunity. It's not been going well, but think UK would have more concerns about Swedes than US just opening now?

We don't have immediate concerns about either, for the reason I've just posted.

That aside, though ... what's the population of the US, compared to the population of Sweden ? [Note: I refer to current populations !!]

Which, therefore, presents the bigger potential concern ?

There's one other interesting feature to all of this. Namely, that the Swedes don't buy into Constitutional freedoms, either. They're even more trusting of, more respectful of, Governmental wishes and advice than Brits are !!

Trust me ... if their Government did an about-turn and ordered a lockdown, it would be obeyed. No dissent ... just obedience.

[Kathianne]

We don't have immediate concerns about either, for the reason I've just posted.

That aside, though ... what's the population of the US, compared to the population of Sweden ? [Note: I refer to current populations !!]

Which, therefore, presents the bigger potential concern ?

There's one other interesting feature to all of this. Namely, that the Swedes don't buy into Constitutional freedoms, either. They're even more trusting of, more respectful of, Governmental wishes and advice than Brits are !!

Trust me ... if their Government did an about-turn and ordered a lockdown, it would be obeyed. No dissent ... just obedience.
That’s not what their doctors were saying yesterday, considering closing bars and restaurants next week.

[Drummond]

That’s not what their doctors were saying yesterday, considering closing bars and restaurants next week.

Really ?

Well .. as I've long understood it, Sweden has had a long tradition of being run along Socialist lines (I'm not sure if Socialists still rule there, but, the culture persists). Because of that, the Socialist dependency culture is deeply rooted.

If I'm right, the Swedes (maybe with a bit of cursory debate going on) will just do as they're ordered by their central authority ... whatever the order is.

But never mind. Sweden is an experiment in the making. What the truth is, we shall find out, in due course.

[Kathianne]

Really ?

Well .. as I've long understood it, Sweden has had a long tradition of being run along Socialist lines (I'm not sure if Socialists still rule there, but, the culture persists). Because of that, the Socialist dependency culture is deeply rooted.

If I'm right, the Swedes (maybe with a bit of cursory debate going on) will just do as they're ordered by their central authority ... whatever the order is.

But never mind. Sweden is an experiment in the making. What the truth is, we shall find out, in due course.
For the past several weeks theirs numbers been awful, then fall on weekends, spike Tuesday-Friday. Final realized bad counting on weekends.

weather getting nicer, restaurants, cafes, bars are crowded. They’ve been warned.

[SassyLady]

Might as well add these in here, all related to reopening somehow. The common theme I do see in those prepping is precautions, guidelines, slowly... The right way.

--

Protest Caravan Takes Over Las Vegas Strip Demanding Governor Sisolak Reopen Nevada

A protest caravan took over the Las Vegas strip on Friday calling on Democrat Governor Sisolak to reopen Nevada.

The protest dubbed ‘America’s First Interactive Drive-thru Caravan’ was organized by conservative radio host and friend of The Gateway Pundit, Wayne Allyn Root.

Wayne Root said police told him they estimated 8,000 people attended the protest.

The demonstrators drove down the strip demanding businesses reopen after only 200 Coronavirus deaths in the entire state of more than 3 million people.

Rest - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/04/protest-caravan-takes-las-vegas-strip-demanding-nevada-reopen-video/


MUST SEE VIDEO: California Doctors of Immunology Say Only Sick and Elderly Should be Quarantined, Businesses Should Open, and State is Pressuring Drs. to Add COVID-19 Numbers

Two California doctors of immunology and owners of a Bakersfield Urgent Care facility say only the sick and immuno-compromised individuals must be quarantined, not healthy people.

Via KIRO News 23 –Doctors Dan Erickson and Artin Massihi said their facilities have tested over 5,200 patients for the coronavirus throughout the county, making up for over half of all testing in Kern. According to their data, the death rate of the coronavirus is similar in prevalence to the flu.

Dr. Erickson says there is something much larger at play here.



Dr. Erickson then goes on to praise the Swedish model in keeping the economy open with some social distancing during the pandemic.

Rest and video - https://www.thegatewaypundit.com/2020/04/must-see-video-california-doctors-immunology-say-sick-elderly-quarantined-businesses-open-state-pressuring-drs-add-covid-19-numbers/

Side note ... I grew up in Kern County.

[Drummond]

I’m glad we are not yet on that list. But the point is probably moot, because we will now have to deal with the opening of a much more infected Pennsylvania. We are just a few blocks from the border, and I saw a lot of PA license plates on our roads today.

As I’ve said before, opening some is almost tantamount to opening them all.

The Governors are opening either because they are Republican, or because they caved to pressure from constituents.

God knows, I sympathise !!!

If State Governors feel they can open up businesses and relax restrictions, that's one thing. But there are others of us who'll have to somehow cope with recklessness when it manifests.

Freedom. Maybe this helps illustrate how it's relative ? One State (or many, now .. ?) exercise 'freedom' to open up their businesses, and in the name of freedom and liberty. But one State's freedom is a diminished level of freedom to remain as free of infection as possible !

What does the neighbouring State having to contend with that expression of freedom do, to guard against its consequences ? Are we talking about quarantines here ?

Do quarantines confer freedom, or do they restrict it ?

One man's freedom is another man's quarantine ?? Doesn't really scan, does it ?

Getting to the nub of the matter: with freedom, comes responsibility ... and not IRResponsibility. I say that irresponsibility is an abuse of freedom.

If only all your State Governors could grasp all that, my own talk of the potential for a new pandemic would be nonsense.

But that's not what we're potentially faced with - very unfortunately !!

I've just got to hope that future events prove me wrong. We'll see, eventually.

[jimnyc]

Like it or not, the leftists of the world will have to deal with freedoms and our constitution. The common sense approach of slowly opening has begun, much to the chagrin of the lefties who have stepped on Trump and others from day one of all of this. They prefer destruction, death & a destroyed economy - as it may help them in the next election. And besides, they're getting paid anyway and sitting in their rich houses.

Been reading about openings in many other countries as well. Give or take, depending on the area and whether things are heating up still or not.

Folks simply CANNOT sit at home for a couple of years, with zero income to speak of and bills out the wazoo. So as more numbers come out, more testing, lessening numbers in the local hospitals - then start a common sense approach to slowly reopening.

NY gonna be one of the last, but even things here in Westchester have relaxed a tad.

And also the more and more I read, the more coming out about how staying at home by the masses may very well be counterproductive.

If folks can easily survive in the midst of the worst with common sense and precautions, then surely they can do so when things have lightened up overwhelmingly.

If we were to sit back and let the left take the drivers seat, they will watch us go down the tubes. They can't utilize common sense as they have very little of it, so they cannot understand others that are so easily able to do so.

Bangladesh, Czech Republic, Italy, Denmark, Austria, Germany, Bahrain, Spain, Norway.... All have some opening and some more than others. Should other countries and smaller locales within countries have to remain locked down, indefinitely, until others see fit to prepare to open as well? Of course not, that's retarded. We don't answer to them and they surely don't answer to us. If someone doesn't like another country opening, then by all means go ahead and ban all incoming traffic from said country. But economies must start opening and not fully succumb to leftist fears.

It will be a long slow road to recovery. And just like the flu and other viruses, folks will also die in the reopening as they would if they didn't. Things won't magically be better by November. This will be a long recovery. The left WANTS us to stay closed until the day before the election, kinda give them a hands up on things. The left has fought against the 1st, 2nd, 4th amendments at will. That's simply what lefties do, chip chip chip away and play the long game. No thanks. Time to reopen and get started taking our country back. :saluting2:

[jimnyc]

I get that. The Sweden reference was in distance to UK, where they never locked down, going for herd immunity. It's not been going well, but think UK would have more concerns about Swedes than US just opening now?

18k+ sick and 2k dead. Not HAPPY numbers, but not bad, and now they are WELL ahead of others in the immunity and herding department. I'm not saying it's for all, but to sit back and hide from it surely isn't doing us much favor right now, but apparently extending things. While others we are finding out have antibodies and other such stories. I think the answer lies there, with some serious precautions on top, especially for the elderly and compromised. Center on those folks as-is somewhat, and let others start getting back, and let the lefties hide under their beds for now. :)

[Kathianne]

18k+ sick and 2k dead. Not HAPPY numbers, but not bad, and now they are WELL ahead of others in the immunity and herding department. I'm not saying it's for all, but to sit back and hide from it surely isn't doing us much favor right now, but apparently extending things. While others we are finding out have antibodies and other such stories. I think the answer lies there, with some serious precautions on top, especially for the elderly and compromised. Center on those folks as-is somewhat, and let others start getting back, and let the lefties hide under their beds for now. :)
You’ve got it. Sweden went here and are entering the horrible stage, can’t compare their numbers to ours, they are small. Now they are likely to hunker down, but those folks are much closer to UK and the spreading possibilities.

US has areas for now under control and can watch from this point on.

Slow opening if watched closely seems best way to spread possible infections and immunity. Closing somewhat when indicated.

[jimnyc]

And another...

--

Scott Walker: ‘Stop Suspending Common Sense,’ It’s Time to Reopen Wisconsin

Former Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker told Breitbart News it’s time to reopen Wisconsin in an exclusive interview Friday.

Walker, who was defeated by Gov. Tony Evers in 2018, said he’s concerned about the economy during the state-mandated shutdown, not just in the short-term, but the long-term, as well.

“I get the fear that people have but there’s also a lot of frustration. People don’t know what to believe, what the facts are. It keeps changing all the time,” he said.

Walker said he believes it’s time to reopen the state and he has encouraged businesses to come up with a plan to “safely” reopen.

“Not as a requirement of government, but I think to get employees back” is going to be a challenge, he said.

“I think this is one of those where the private sector, in many cases, knows better,” Walker said, adding if workers and customers don’t feel safe, “it doesn’t matter what date you say you’re going to reopen, it’s not going to happen.”

“Let’s stop suspending common sense,” he said.

Walker said he wasn’t sure if Evers’ decisions are political as much as “he doesn’t know what to do,” and said he questioned why Evers would extend the shutdown order on April 16th until May 26th “without looking at what the data is for the next couple of weeks.”

He said a “perfect cure” may not come any time soon, so “how do we logically stagger our way back into reopening.”

“I feel a lot of governors are hiding their head under the bed hoping this will all just go away, and it won’t,” he cautioned.

Rest - https://www.breitbart.com/politics/2020/04/26/exclusive-scott-walk-its-time-to-reopen-wisconsin/

[Drummond]

You’ve got it. Sweden went here and are entering the horrible stage, can’t compare their numbers to ours, they are small. Now they are likely to hunker down, but those folks are much closer to UK and the spreading possibilities.

US has areas for now under control and can watch from this point on.

Slow opening if watched closely seems best way to spread possible infections and immunity. Closing somewhat when indicated.

Maintaining lockdowns indefinitely is an impossibility, of course. I've never said otherwise. But if or when they happen, they need to happen when the cost to human life is best addressed. Not on a whim.

I posted just an hour or two ago that with freedom, comes responsibility (and if not, why not have total freedom, do away with laws, and enjoy the fruits of anarchy ?).

Slow opening is better than just leaping into opening full pelt, and sooner than you need to. It's best done when you can be sure that any resulting death toll will be lower, rather than higher.

Because if not ... isn't the conclusion to be reached, one of observing that human life is very cheap ?

Why not preserve that human life as best as possible ? Why not enact an approach that shows the proper, life-preserving caution ?

By my reckoning, that's not asking much.

But that's just me. Others may disagree.

[Kathianne]

Maintaining lockdowns indefinitely is an impossibility, of course. I've never said otherwise. But if or when they happen, they need to happen when the cost to human life is best addressed. Not on a whim.

I posted just an hour or two ago that with freedom, comes responsibility (and if not, why not have total freedom, do away with laws, and enjoy the fruits of anarchy ?).

Slow opening is better than just leaping into opening full pelt, and sooner than you need to. It's best done when you can be sure that any resulting death toll will be lower, rather than higher.

Because if not ... isn't the conclusion to be reached, one of observing that human life is very cheap ?

Why not preserve that human life as best as possible ? Why not enact an approach that shows the proper, life-preserving caution ?

By my reckoning, that's not asking much.

But that's just me. Others may disagree.
That’s been the plan all along.

[jimnyc]

That’s been the plan all along.

I even pointed it out about CNN. Why folks thought a governor would open a state, and folks would be reckless and not do anything at all to protect themselves or move forward with common sense precautions. Kinda been the goal all along even before anyone wanted to open. The goal was to get to the point that they could start opening in phases, which is where we are at now. Folks are tired of going broke, barely being able to eat and being stuck inside on house arrest, and getting hit with more and more orders. This hardly means they want to open and be dead, or are too stupid to do what essential workers have already been doing.

[Drummond]

That’s been the plan all along.

I'd like to think so.

So, then, why are an increasing number of Governors rebelling against it ?

Ideally, those rebels should stop, and show greater regard for individual human life. Do you think their consciences will kick in, and they'll reverse course ?

Or, do you need a higher power to stop them, before the death tolls begin to grow unnecessarily large ?

Perhaps you have one. In my country, we'd call it Government, on account of its purpose: namely, to govern.

[What does President Trump think ? He's been keen, according to reports I've seen, to lift lockdowns as soon as possible. Does he agree with the Georgian Governor's timing ?]

How about the US overall ? What are your recommendations for your own country ? Does Trump's judgment receive material respect from certain Governors ?

Or, are they acting as renegades against official advice ?

[revelarts]

Maintaining lockdowns indefinitely is an impossibility, of course. I've never said otherwise. But if or when they happen, they need to happen when the cost to human life is best addressed. Not on a whim.
I posted just an hour or two ago that with freedom, comes responsibility (and if not, why not have total freedom, do away with laws, and enjoy the fruits of anarchy ?).
Slow opening is better than just leaping into opening full pelt, and sooner than you need to. It's best done when you can be sure that any resulting death toll will be lower, rather than higher.
Because if not ... isn't the conclusion to be reached, one of observing that human life is very cheap ?
Why not preserve that human life as best as possible ? Why not enact an approach that shows the proper, life-preserving caution ?
By my reckoning, that's not asking much.
But that's just me. Others may disagree.

Respectfully,
while the sentiment is sincerely noble and kind.
this is the same argument the left uses to promote every kind of social control.
the gov't should control people so we can save as many as we can. ...except when they abort the children and euthanize the old of course.
"saving lives" and "keeping people safe" is nearly always a call for more gov't control. Freedom loving people aren't asking for anarchy, however at the foundation of the U.S. concept of gov't is, having Government with LIMITED authority with the maximum freedom and authority belonging to the citizens as a God given birthright.

I think by nature certain parts of the left and right are more comfortable with various aspects of life having very HIGH levels of Gov't protection and/or control.
And each side has very high trust levels for some parts of government. But for folks that hold the original constitutional view as best it's very frustrating having to fight fears couched in sincere concern for human life. The idea of protecting human life collectively is right and good, however conflict comes in the question of using the tool of government to force action/inaction on people under official threats of various kinds.
And personally I'm not in favor of granting gov't ANY extra authority to control the actions of healthy people.

On the practical level concerning the current situation, (I posted this elsewhere but to reiterate)
Sweden Has no lock-down At All (voluntary 3 ft distancing and hand washing)
apx 10 million people.
they've had 2000+ deaths so far.

Portugal with lock-down
apx 10 million people
they've had 800+ deaths

Belgium with lock-down
apx 11 million people
they've had 6500+ deaths

Switzerland with lock-down
apx 10 million people
they've had 1500+ deaths

New York STATE with lock-down
20 million people
16,000 deaths

8 other states have NOT issued lock-downs but they DO NOT have out sized deaths or cases. (see Youtube, Tucker: Are coronavirus lockdowns working?)

How is this relatively small difference in death rates because of lock-downs/quarantine? How can it rationally justify lock-downs and extreme measures of nations?
It seems clear to me that the lock-downs are NOT the preventative that it's been advertised as.

Add to that that many people's other serious medical issues have been put on indefinite hold by the lock-down and covid focus,
increased unemployment which will increase crime, domestic violence and suicide.

IMO the lockdown has really been ineffective and counter productive on a practical level. the only place in the U.S. that i feel the measures possible have had an effect is in NY.
But frankly I'm not sure if the idea of ONLY the sick and the elderly staying home would have been just as good. if not better.

2000+ deaths in Sweden with no lock-down. That's hard evidence that covid19 is NOT something that has killed tens of thousands of Swedes, or would have killed millions of Americans if we had... or now follow the same path.
I think it's easy to intuitively believe that running home an bolting the doors will make it all better, but it seems clear that the science is not pointing in that direction.

I suspect that at this point that most of the leaders of states and nations know this and, at best, those same leaders are trying to save face on their extreme reactions by "phasing back in" and claiming lockdown as part of the victory. But there are some who see the new authority as an opportunity for new gov't powers and will continue to milk people's fears for months and years. I suspect they will use a call for more gov't action/laws/control/surveillance/restrictions almost identical to the constitution and freedom busting call of the past 20 years "we don't want another 9/11!" . Look for politicians to say "We don't want another Covid19!" as they propose new "safety" regs and mandatory actions. "vaccine papers please?".
The seed of fear and sincere concern for lives are the tools "officials" of the left and right use to usurp authority and rights from the people while telling them it's for their own good.

that's my take on it.
others mileage may vary.

[jimnyc]

this is the same argument the left uses to promote every kind of social control.
the gov't should control people so we can save as many as we can. ...except when they abort the children and euthanize the old of course.
"saving lives" and "keeping people safe" nearly is always a call for more gov't control. Freedom loving people aren't asking for anarchy, however at the foundation of the U.S. the concept of gov't is, Government with LIMITED authority and the maximum freedom of the citizens is considered a God given birthright.

The left talks of saving, until it's OK to have an abortion up to an including the day of birth. :rolleyes:

I will say, while you and I have had our disagreements over similar sounding things in the past - this one the government clearly is going too far in many areas. They suddenly forgot about limitations they have and our rights. The MSM is nothing but massive scare tactics that have been much more than misleading at times. They will sit back and watch people suffer from their decisions, and then fine or arrest people that dare leave their homes or do the most menial of things.


And personally I'm not in favor of grant gov't ANY extra authority to control the actions of healthy people.

Chip away and chip away and chip away. Orders here and orders there. Add 'em up? How many and when will you get those full rights restored? Like I said, they take 20 away and then give you 18 back. Then they will take 14 more of those away in the name of safety and then you will get 12 back. And eventually, like the frog sitting in slowly warming water, you have no lost some rights never to be seen again. Look at Virginia and I think a few places in Cali? Using this as an excuse to take away gun rights. That should never happen. And now they will likely do so again in the future. That shit needs to be corrected and lawfully on record, IMO.


8 other states have NOT issued lock-downs but they DO NOT have out sized deaths or cases. (see Youtube, Tucker: Are coronavirus lockdowns working?)

I could be wrong, but I think I may have posted that video. Tucker has been spitting out so many truth bombs throughout this and has exposed a lot of crap.