Despite Gov. Polis easing restrictions last week to allow many nonessential businesses to open, San Juan Basin Public Health delayed the opening of many businesses until May 8 with no guarantee they will not extend that.
The reason: There had been an uptick in cases in surrounding communities.
As this drags on and restrictions are lifted, those who have been sheltered at home will go out and have increased exposure. That is something that needs to be accepted. Even Polis now acknowledges there would be little to no health benefit to extending the closures and they would result in prolonged harm to businesses already struggling.
Initially, we were told that we need to slow (not stop) the spread so the hospitals would not be overwhelmed. At this point, Mercy is now suffering from not enough patients as elective procedures were canceled or put on hold.
The only reason SJBPH was extending the lock-down order was simple, to cover its behind. It is easier for SJBPH to force businesses to stay closed than to be accused of jeopardizing public safety.
Local businesses need to demand to be allowed to open for their own survival.
Jeff BleeckerDurango
