Around the nation, Covid is surging, and so are restrictions being put into place by governors and local officials. Those restrictions strike directly at the bev/al industry — not that anyone is blaming alcohol per se for spreading the virus, but rather it’s now clear how the virus is transmitted, and that means restrictions on people gathering indoors. And, for the most part, especially in winter, bars and restaurants are indoors.
Governors and other officials also have a clear focus on what they are trying to accomplish, and why specific restrictions are being put in place again. It’s a cause-and-effect thing.
Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb on cause: At first people were following mandates of masks and social distancing. But “unfortunately, too many of us, and around the country, have let our guards down and either assumed we won’t gt it, or if we do, se be it, we’ll get through it.”
And effect: “We must do all we can to protect our hospital capacity – so they can protect patients and care for them. Not only for those who have the Covid, but for the cancer patient, heart patient and other Hoosier Patients who need care in our urban, rural, suburban hospitals all across the State of Indiana, but their beds are filling up. They’re being taken up,” said Holcomb.
Two vaccines appear on the horizon, with more on the way. That will help. But it will take months before we are through this. It would be helpful if surveillance testing — with requirements for quarantining, follow-up diagnostic testing to confirm the virus — and contact tracing were implemented nationwide. The incoming Biden Administration indicates that will be part of its strategy.