Why Charleston should be cautious about opening its doors too quickly (Please read all the way through)

By Mark A. Leon

This morning I walked through a complex near my home where I saw 16 unique state license plates, two kayaks, two surfboards, and a Tesla.  Like many, I have spent the last several months ponding about the pandemic and the eminent changes it has made on all our lives, but I am thankful that the Charleston area and South Carolina have truly stepped up in true community form to combat the spread together.

As of this morning:

• South Carolina is ranked 30^th in total cases
• South Carolina is 27^th in total deaths (331)
• We have administered 84,457 tests

Here is another thing we should know that may cloud this positive data:

• Rhode Island is ranked #1 with tests per population at 86,102 tests per million population.  South Carolina is ranked last with 16,404.  Per the population, we have administered the smallest percentage of tests per citizen and that could indicate many more cases remain positive that we are not aware of.

Based on the current U.S. Model, we should not start seeing under 100 deaths daily until after August 1, so we have a long way to go.  More importantly, opening our doors now, based on data alone may be a false negative, and here is why.

• Opening our doors also opens up one of our largest revenue streams:  tourism.  With the potential of 40 million-plus visitors coming from out of state by car, boat, and plane, we increase our susceptibility to a massive spike.  We know that alone we cannot sustain our businesses and need tourism. Therefore, we must be prepared before the gates open up once again.
• Though Charleston does not have the densely overpopulated numbers of a New York or Los Angeles, the infrastructure does force close proximity with our narrow sidewalks, small urban parks, and narrow roads. 
• Hotels, restaurants, markets, beaches – These are a vital part of our lifestyle and all very difficult to maintain the high sanitation protocols we now adhere to.
• The new normal forces a slowing down of everyday life.  With limitations on occupancy, increased sanitation steps, and social distancing, are we prepared for large festivals and of course, thee Cooper River Bridge Run?

I have been nothing but impressed with the way we have handled ourselves and the sacrifices we have made, but now is not the time to get angry at one another and have counties threatening lawsuits on towns.  We are better than that.  We need to ease into recovery for the sake of our children, elderly, loved ones, family, and friends. 

Charleston is a proud community who has overcome so much from natural disasters to the heinous acts on Mother Emanuel.  We come through strong because we come through together.

Let’s open this right.