by Hailey Sepulvado ‘22

Georgia, Florida, South Carolina, are just a few amongst many of the states who have begun the process of re-opening. Many U.S states have begun to open restaurants, golf courses, beaches, etc… against advice from some of the leading professionals working to combat Covid-19, such as Dr. Anthony Fauci and Dr. Deborah Birx, who are primary advisors on the White House Coronavirus Taskforce. 

Re-opening the country too early will lead to a massive increase in Covid-19 patients and will, unfortunately, but unnecessarily, increase death rates. Fauci, Director of National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases at the National Institutes of Health, is the leading Public Health Official during this pandemic and has been vocal about the dangers of re-opening the country too soon saying, “Its gonna backfire. That’s the problem.” 

I do not understand nor agree with the states who choose to prioritize opening businesses over their residents’ health and lives.  I completely recognize the damage this pandemic has caused the U.S economy and the financial burden and in some cases devastation to so many.  However, I also believe that human lives matter more than money. Staying home and away from friends and family is painfully sad and is one of the hardest things I have had to do. However, I also recognize the importance of staying home and sacrificing certain parts of everyday life. I know that making these types of sacrifices does not only protect me, it also protects my family, friends the elderly, and society as a whole.