COVID-19: Are We Saving Lives, Or Hurting Them?

As the COVID-19 pandemic response prepares to move into yet another month, many of us are beginning to ask, are we saving lives? Or are we hurting them? The answer is becoming increasingly obvious. It is “yes” to both. But how do we balance the solution?

Like most people around the country, I shifted to a work-from-home and self-isolation environment in mid-March. We have abided by the recommendations, limiting our outings to only those necessary and maintaining social distance on those rare journeys to the store.

Still, we are some of the lucky ones; my job has continued, and my income as of yet has not been affected. Our greatest personal sacrifice thus far has largely been one of convenience.

That is not the case for 30 million people thrown out of a job literally overnight. And the Fed is predicting that coronavirus job losses could total 47 million, causing an unemployment rate of up to 32%.

As a nation we are going to survive the disease. I am not so sure that we are going to survive the cure.