Yesterday - there were over 1,100 new cases and 90 new deaths - so the reduction in new cases and deaths indicates that we are moving in the right direction - but continuing to move in the right direction is predicated on all of us remaining vigilant and following the stay-at-home/social distancing orders.
Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell have both echoed the encouraging signs from following the orders that have disrupted our lives. The concern is that as the good news becomes more apparent - people may feel less likely to make the sacrifices that led to the reduction in new cases and deaths.
Fewer ventilators and fewer hospital beds are needed than was previously predicted by experts, including the CDC. There will be some who will use this as a way of criticizing the shutdown of our economy and argue that the curve would have flattened regardless of the actions citizens have taken - but there is enough evidence - in the US and in other countries - that social distancing directly contributes to the containment of COVID-19.
This afternoon - President Trump is expected to announce new federal guidelines concerning the spread of COVID-19. There is speculation that the guidelines may include a plan to slowly begin to open new some sections of the American economy. That would be positive news and would act as a reward that the sacrifices we have been making are working - but we should not allow our frustrations to encourage us to jump ahead of the guidelines laid out.
President Trump projects a bold and positive attitude about reopening the US economy - but he appears to be acting on the collective advice from others who may be more realistic about what is possible.
Imagine the discouragement we would all feel if there is a spike in the number of cases and deaths in the wake of the loosening of restrictions.
The best strategy is to navigate through this one day at a time and try to find normalcy in the craziness of our present lives. The signs are there - we are getting through this, and there should be hope that our lives will return to normal - even if it is a new normal.
Let’s stay strong and continue to respect the guidelines set to help us win the war over this invisible enemy.