With the state/county plans for beginning to reopen Montana and Missoula’s economy now public, we know over the next few weeks we will start to see businesses reopening and commerce returning. It’s hard while we are still in the midst of our response to COVID-19 to see accurately whether the choices that have been made at the city, county, state and federal level have been the correct ones. But I think there are a couple things so far that we can say for sure.
First, to the extent that we have kept folks in at risk populations and those who are normally in regular contact with those at risk populations “sheltered” and away from larger crowds, we have slowed the rate of infection and helped limit the damage COVID-19 might have otherwise caused.
Second, “social distancing” has and continues to work. Limiting the overall number of chances for the virus to spread, maintaining a significant distance from one another when in public, using masks and gloves and regularly washing our hands has all helped contribute to lowering the rate of infection and the overall number of infections. This will be especially important going forward as we reopen across Montana. Our best chance of dodging a second wave will be continuing these practices.
Third, while the previous two points cannot be understated, the damage caused to our economy can likewise not be understated. I know some will want to say that people’s health is more important than our economy and to a significant degree I would agree. But at the same time, an economy is just another term for a large group of people. Saying that our economy has suffered dramatically is just another way of saying our people have suffered dramatically.
Fourth, different things should be treated differently. Montana is different than New York. Sheridan County is different than Missoula County and Seeley Lake is different than the city of Missoula. If we had to name a single mistake, I think it is that we have not properly acknowledged those differences in our plans to shut down or reopen.
Fifth, Montanans are a tough bunch. We have proved throughout this entire ordeal that we will take care of each other, look out for one another, and take the challenges that lie ahead of us head on.
As we start to come out of this, a lot of businesses will not exist anymore. A lot of Montanans will not be returning to the jobs they had before this all started. This was a government imposed economic contraction and every level of government will have to work overtime going forward to do right by our people as we rebuild. The next legislative session will be one of the hardest in recent memory but we have been preparing for an economic contraction at the state level for quite some time and that should help significantly when it comes to maintaining essential services.
As always, if you need anything give me a call anytime at (406) 531-1775 or email at MikeforMontana@gmail.com
Mike Hopkins, Representative, House District 92
Missoula, Mont.
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