COVID-19 is a problem that Can be solved
The fastest way to solve it is top-down: Country leaders implement a lockdown, enforce travel restrictions and test massively. Then, the lockdown can be lifted step by step as soon as cases in an area have dropped to zero and there is no local transmission in this and adjacent areas. Isolation facilities are set up for imported cases and for any expected flare-up of new cases. Until the virus is eradicated completely, there will always be breaches, but good implementation of “test, trace and isolate” will keep the virus under control and get cases back to zero. New lockdowns are not necessary - or needed only locally.
Everybody can feel safe in such a COVID-free “green zone”. There is no fear to be at concerts, sports events, big weddings or simply any indoor place. Local businesses thrive and the area becomes more robust and self-reliant. To feel safer and reduce the occurrence of breaches, efforts are made to help surrounding areas get to green, too. Green zones expand, green travel networks are built, others are inspired: If you had the choice, where would you want to live?
Some countries have done all of this well and are continuing to do so. Some have not and some have let their guard down when cases were low. The population is tired. Indeed, we are all tired of COVID-19. It has cost health, lives and livelihoods. It also has cost time and it will cost more of all if we don’t solve the problem.
What if our leaders didn’t do a good job? What if they gave in or are undecided? The concept of green zones is not limited to countries. As long as you can imagine boundaries, anything can become a green zone: A city, a neighborhood, an elderly care facility, YOUR home can become a green zone: Stay in your safe circle or build safe networks. Again, there will be breaches, so you need to advocate for change on a bigger level, too. Have your green zone expand. Organize on the community level and make the collective decision to get rid of the virus.
The bottom line is this: Whether you care for others or you are acting out of pure self-interest, the goals are aligned. If you want this to be over, you can do something. Waiting for herd immunity or vaccines means waiting for years. Doing the ethically right thing is the short and cheap way out. It just needs to be done right, thoughtfully and with conviction.
We are building a network of families in the Greater Boston Area around a model for learning pod guidelines. Join us or build your own safe network and advocate for the elimination of COVID-19 from our communities, regions, countries and the entire world.
-Vincent Brunsch