Delaware is now heading into the second week since Gov. John Carney ordered all nonessential businesses closed and everyone who can work from home to do so, all in an effort to stem the spread of COVID-19 throughout the state.
Underscoring the urgency of this order, Delaware has recorded its first COVID-19 related deaths.
With New York approaching a thousand deaths and New Jersey approaching 200, Delaware looks like a safer place to be. Instead of sheltering in place, people in neighboring states are coming to Delaware, an influx that is taxing our resources and further burdening healthcare providers who already face enormous stress to do their jobs.
These visitors prompted the governor’s latest edict: Everyone coming to Delaware from another state must self-quarantine for 14 days.
The governor has given all of us our orders. Now it’s up to us, as citizens, to make up our minds to comply.
When we have to go out to get groceries or medicine, it’s critical to be mindful of everyone around us.
We must all slow down and wait for aisles to clear, constantly maintaining the 6 feet of space between people required to slow the spread of this disease.
As Americans, we like to consider ourselves independent and self-reliant, treasuring our rights to liberty and the pursuit of happiness – and perhaps the most important right: life.
This coronavirus is a threat that puts us all to the test.
Fortunately – some might say miraculously – this crisis comes at a time when technology allows us to work and to stay in close touch with family and friends without physical contact.
The governor’s orders are critical.
While scientists search for a vaccine and a treatment, we are, all of us, the foot soldiers in the fight against this disease – and our best weapon in this battle is for everyone who can to stay home.
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Editorials are considered and written by Cape Gazette Editorial Board members, including Publisher Chris Rausch, Editor Jen Ellingsworth, News Editor Nick Roth and reporters Ron MacArthur and Chris Flood.
