Are We Ready to Reopen?
1/5/2020
Executive orders are in place to reopen Texas starting May 1, 2020. These orders begin phase 1 of reopening retail services, dine-in restaurant services, shopping malls, movie theaters, museums, and libraries (must remain closed if there are interactive functions or exhibits, including child play), all restricted to 25% capacity.
According to the executive order, "Individuals are encouraged to wear appropriate face coverings, but no jurisdiction can impose a civil or criminal penalty for failure to wear a face covering."
With SPI's senior population and the Rio Grande Valley's incidence of diabetes, both communities have a very high risk of contracting COVID-19.
We went back to Dr. Joe McCormick to get his take on our current situation as it unfolds. "I know that everyone is concerned about going back to early, all of us would like to see the economy recover, but none of us would like to see it at the expense of people suddenly flocking to the hospital. We have to avoid that scenario," says Dr. McCormick.
In response to Judge Eddie Treviño's recommendation urging Cameron County residents to heed the county's local suggestions, Dr. McCormick was glad to hear that County Judge Treviño recognizes that his decisions early on, were good ones.
"Fortunately, the city and the county put its (the shelter in place) in place pretty early, and we (Dr. Fisher-Hoch included) think that had a lot to do with the fact that we have not seen a big spike, but we're starting to get worried. Once you say, "Certain things are now available, people will stretch that inch into a mile and decide it's alright to go out and have parties. That's how we got there in the first place," said Dr. McCormick.
Dr. McCormick's Advice to Local Businesses & Restaurants:
As many of our local restaurants prepare to open, Dr. McCormick advises, "It's all about testing…every business should check their employees when they walk in the door every morning to see if they have a fever. Even if they've been tested for the virus, they still should make sure they do not have a fever. They should also have everything in place for wearing masks and doing all the things concerning hand cleaning. It's hard to eat with a mask on, so separate the tables, and follow the sanitary protocols."
He also recommends the need to put into place all the precautions that will prevent spread. "You want to be able to assure your customers that it's safe to come…that you've done everything that anybody can do. They're more likely to be comfortable, and you'll (business owners) feel better because you're in less in a position to get a lawsuit if you don't give somebody the disease in your business."
