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NEW w/ @SRuhle: Without a national plan, states are being forced to choose between preventing outbreaks and forcing bars and restaurants into bankruptcy.
Let's take a second to look at why that is and what another approach might look like.... https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/washington-silent-states-are-torn-between-saving-bars-stopping-coronavirus-n1239684
Let's take a second to look at why that is and what another approach might look like.... https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/washington-silent-states-are-torn-between-saving-bars-stopping-coronavirus-n1239684
In place after place, the WH task force and outside experts have been giving the same prescription: Close bars, restrict indoor dining, and limit social gatherings at first sign of outbreak. Just Google "Deborah Birx [state]" and you'll see it everywhere.
![In place after place, the WH task force and outside experts have been giving the same prescription: Close bars, restrict indoor dining, and limit social gatherings at first sign of outbreak. Just Google "Deborah Birx [state]" and you'll see it everywhere.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EhjgU9PWsAE30VY.jpg "In place after place, the WH task force and outside experts have been giving the same prescription: Close bars, restrict indoor dining, and limit social gatherings at first sign of outbreak. Just Google \"Deborah Birx [state]\" and you'll see it everywhere.")
![In place after place, the WH task force and outside experts have been giving the same prescription: Close bars, restrict indoor dining, and limit social gatherings at first sign of outbreak. Just Google "Deborah Birx [state]" and you'll see it everywhere.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EhjgWMwXkAEIODa.jpg "In place after place, the WH task force and outside experts have been giving the same prescription: Close bars, restrict indoor dining, and limit social gatherings at first sign of outbreak. Just Google \"Deborah Birx [state]\" and you'll see it everywhere.")
![In place after place, the WH task force and outside experts have been giving the same prescription: Close bars, restrict indoor dining, and limit social gatherings at first sign of outbreak. Just Google "Deborah Birx [state]" and you'll see it everywhere.](https://pbs.twimg.com/media/EhjgXDYXcAMrZOo.jpg "In place after place, the WH task force and outside experts have been giving the same prescription: Close bars, restrict indoor dining, and limit social gatherings at first sign of outbreak. Just Google \"Deborah Birx [state]\" and you'll see it everywhere.")
The good news is that it seems to be effective!
Fauci, Birx, and others credit states like Arizona with containing raging outbreaks by closing bars, gyms, and other indoor activities -- all without a stay at home order. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2020/08/06/arizona-coronavirus-strategy-praised-white-house-trump-birx-ducey/3299992001/
Fauci, Birx, and others credit states like Arizona with containing raging outbreaks by closing bars, gyms, and other indoor activities -- all without a stay at home order. https://www.azcentral.com/story/news/politics/arizona/2020/08/06/arizona-coronavirus-strategy-praised-white-house-trump-birx-ducey/3299992001/
This is especially important, because states are trying to open schools and lower case counts make that MUCH easier.
The bad news: There's no clear national plan to sustain it. Without more federal aid, states face enormous pressure to reopen businesses on verge of bankruptcy.
The bad news: There's no clear national plan to sustain it. Without more federal aid, states face enormous pressure to reopen businesses on verge of bankruptcy.
Relief talks are stalled. But even there industry groups argue more PPP won't cut it, they need targeted relief with more flexibility. They're pushing the RESTAURANTS Act, a $120b bill with bipartisan backing.
Sponsors argue it would help states make better health decisions.
Sponsors argue it would help states make better health decisions.
And while the WH task force can promote their health plan via local press and quiet letters to governors, Trump is actively undercutting it.
Dr. Birx will visit a state and call them a national model, Trump will visit the same week and say it's a conspiracy to elect Biden.
Dr. Birx will visit a state and call them a national model, Trump will visit the same week and say it's a conspiracy to elect Biden.
Fauci, Birx, and outside experts have been issuing these same recommendations for months.
Imagine if the president made it our actual declared strategy, educated the public, linked it to school reopening, and pledged to back up businesses most affected with direct aid.
Imagine if the president made it our actual declared strategy, educated the public, linked it to school reopening, and pledged to back up businesses most affected with direct aid.
This is just one policy area, but without a focused plan at top, you end up with chaos below and leaders forced into brutal choices with no good options.
I don't want to lose my bars or restaurants or gyms or theaters. I also want my school open. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/washington-silent-states-are-torn-between-saving-bars-stopping-coronavirus-n1239684
I don't want to lose my bars or restaurants or gyms or theaters. I also want my school open. https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/washington-silent-states-are-torn-between-saving-bars-stopping-coronavirus-n1239684
