A Word on Wednesday: Appropriate

A week ago, the Wisconsin Supreme Court overruled Gov. Tony Evers’ Safer at Home order, essentially leaving the state a free for all. There is no government policy guiding how to reopen with suitable precautions in place. 

Immediately after the action, the Wisconsin Tavern League issued a statement encouraging bar owners to open. And they did. Pictures of bars throughout the state packed with people shoulder to shoulder flooded the internet. As a resident, it was a complete source of embarrassment.

In the aftermath of the ruling, counties and municipalities put out their own guidelines, which also were overruled a day later. Now it is in the hands of business owner to business owner. And resident to resident to be appropriate. This is not the time to live with reckless abandon.

Politics aside, I believe it is inappropriate to ignore the pandemic, which cannot be legislated into extinction. I acknowledge Wisconsin isn’t the hardest hit. (As of today, 12,885 cases and 467 deaths in the state.) 

However, I will not buy into the idea that this virus only kills those who are “expendable.” Someone living with advanced age or an underlying health conditions do not deserve to die from a horrendous virus.

Therefore, I think the following guidelines, as outlined by the CDC, are appropriate.

1. Wear a mask in public.
2. Maintain social distance.

Of course, the list is longer than that, and you can read it here.

As I struggle to remain diligent in my behavior to slow the spread and flatten the curve, I pray that the lead researchers on this pandemic can be guided to a solution.