COVID vs RE-OPEN
This is a Newswise press event panel on the CORONAVIRUS NEWS on April 29, 2020. The topic of discussions is about COVID vs Re-Open: Business experts Roland Rust, Alessandro Rebicci Paul Pfleiderer debate the pros and cons of re-opening the economy under the COVID-19 pandemic. The event provides a platform for media engagement with experts in discussing the COVID-19 pandemic and its global effects on all aspects of daily life.
Rebucci says that the impacts of mandatory versus voluntary restrictions have a direct effect on hos fast the economies of different countries re-open. He says that in China, the pandemic control was fast as a result of rapid interventions. Moreover, active monitoring of restrictions in china means that China would open her economy soon. However, Rebucci feels that the United States should not make a rush in opening her economy. Rebucci feels that individual freedom limits the enforcing of social distancing rules and mandating people to stay at home. The liberal approach by the United States could result in the second wave of infection. However.Rebucci advocates for the liberalization of the sectors that are less vulnerable in transmitting the disease.
Rust agrees with a projection that 70 per cent of the small retail sectors will cease to exist after the pandemic. Rust says this is as a result of low margins that the businesses operate on. Further, Rust says that government aid meant to cover such small businesses only benefits the big companies. For that reason, large chains such as the Shake Shack are taking part in hammering small companies. Moreover, without enough money, small businesses cannot accommodate certain practices of social distancing. Therefore, with little capacity to make adjustments coupled with increased online companies, small businesses will not reopen. Rust also thinks that businesses with little direct personal contact, such as the food delivery sector are likely to grow and come out stronger.
Pfleiderer thinks that the decisions to reopen the economy require sufficient weighing. There should be coordination by both the national government and the local governments. He says that the US economy benefits from transactions occurring across all states. Pfleiderer also thinks that at the moment, the most crucial thing should be the availing of resources towards testing, contact tracing and fighting the pandemic. Further, he believes that even if the government decided to open all sectors unconditionally, people will still not go out without confidence in their safety.
Question 3
The administration of biomedical principles in reopening the economy will promote public confidence. The government should consider Respect of persons when deciding on reviving the economy. We should keep in mind that any action taken is the product of our own choices. The government should come up with a solution by considering consider both the negative and positive results in applying the Respect of person principle. The negative duty involves the government avoiding constraining people from reopening their businesses.
On the other hand, the government should consider positive autonomy by allowing people to reopen their businesses but at the same time disclosing the predicament of opening the economy as such a time. Further, the national health system should apply the rule of beneficence. Beneficence will allow compassionate and sensitive healthcare services. Prioritizing public welfare in health institutions will accelerate the healing time and eventually allow people to reopen their businesses fast. The government should ensure fairness in healthcare operation concerning testing and contact tracing. There is a limitation of testing equipment in the US. Therefore, to facilitate the fair reopening of all aspects of the economy, the US government should determine who gets priority in terms of testing and treatment. justice will prevent the eradication of vulnerable businesses