We need to get businesses going again, but we need to do so in the right way

Sedgwick County leaders received two very different pieces of advice Monday:

The Wichita Regional Chamber of Commerce urged county commissioners to reopen businesses and “reignite the economy” after weeks of COVID-19-related shut-downs.

And a panel of doctors cautioned them to maintain current restrictions until at least May 11 — a week after the state’s current stay-at-home order expires.

Both groups said local leaders should take a measured approach and base their decision on data.

But which data? And how can we be sure numbers aren’t being politicized, like so many other elements of the coronavirus pandemic?

A panel of physicians assembled by the Medical Society of Sedgwick County said in its statement that Wichita is doing well so far. Actions such as limiting commerce, prohibiting large gatherings and encouraging people to stay home have successfully reduced the spread of disease.

But, “If we lift too many efforts too quickly, we will likely have to backtrack (reinstate limitations), which is not desirable,” the doctors said.

Sedgwick County doesn’t yet meet the criteria established by the White House for lifting community restrictions: We haven’t seen a downward trend of cases over 14 days, and our rate of testing remains among the lowest in the country.

But the Chamber of Commerce wants commissioners to look at other data points — to consider the rate of positive cases rather than focusing only on the total number. That’s not surprising: As testing becomes more prevalent, we’re likely to see our totals increase.

Like many decisions elected officials face, this one isn’t simple, and the consequences could be dire. The next few weeks will be messy and confusing, as we try to decide what’s best and figure out the safest way to proceed.

Local businesses need to reopen. People must get back to work to pay their bills and feed their families. COVID-19 has devastated lives and livelihoods.

But pandemics don’t heed arbitrary dates on a calendar, and they don’t care about political philosophies. During a public health crisis, it’s imperative that leaders listen to health experts and consider multiple data points, and they must continue to protect vulnerable residents.

County Commissioners wisely sought input last week from an array of business leaders, who said they want to reopen soon but also want county guidance to maintain safety and limit liability. County health officials proposed a draft plan that outlines phases for reopening after the pandemic.

This week they’ll have to figure out precisely what that means — whether and when and how to get business going again.

This story was originally published April 27, 2020 at 5:04 PM.