There has been a growing rift between those who support staying with a longer lockdown, and those calling for ending the shutdown and returning to normal life. I believe there is a more balanced, middle way.
Certainly, we want to protect the most vulnerable, and these people would either choose or be urged to stay safe in some degree of quarantine. But for the rest of us, the cure is getting more dangerous than the disease. Ninety percent of people diagnosed with COVID-19 hardly notice any symptoms. There have been 844 deaths from COVID-19 in Washington state through May 1. There have been many more suicides in Washington; more than 1,100 a year. We also know that this number may increase with an extended shutdown, as lower income residents are being squeezed, and fear and financial stress are well known risk factors for disease and death.
Let’s focus on personal empowerment and strengthening the immune system rather than putting all our eggs in one basket, waiting for an unproven and possibly unsafe vaccine.
Lastly, Gov. Inslee has stated that we need to follow the data. The question is, “which data”? Doctors all over the country are speaking out, calling for an end to the lockdown. Let’s listen to them. It is time to trust the doctors, genuine science and common sense, put politics aside and do what is best for all.
Roy Holman
Everett
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