Getting state 'restarted' may be hard for us all

The efforts of Gov. Asa Hutchinson and others in "re-starting" the state following the past few weeks of shut-downs because of the covid-19 pandemic will be akin to starting a locomotive pulling a 100-car train from a dead stop.

It will be slow at first. Momentum must build. The track must be level and clear. Any and all obstacles will need to be cleared from the rails.

The slightest bump on the road, or a simple rise of a small hill, will give way to a hesitating shudder in the momentum of getting that train off and moving.

It's easier to stop a train -- given you have enough tracks to slow the force pushing the locomotive -- often times than restarting the same motion stymied by the halting of the apparatus.

And so for most things in Arkansas, at this stage in the "talking points" or re-starting the Arkansas economy and way of life -- it may take some time before things are back to some sense of normality.

For starters, I agree with the governor, when safe and prudent, he and all of us must restore the fragile medical system within our rural state to again be functioning. I know there have been suspensions of "elective" surgeries during this pandemic threat.

It seems all of the hospitals in our region have plans in place to "lay off" or furlough staff, many administrators taking pay cuts. General everyday hospital services are being curtailed in an effort to prepare for the worst case of the virus outbreak.

While treating those infected and sickened with the covid-19 virus is a monumental task, it is testing the very limits of a regular medical center and even the more advanced medical facility in Northwest Arkansas, the Arkansas River Valley and even those in our state's capital.

The fragile network of small, more community-based hospitals out in the state of Arkansas has been stressed to new levels unseen in these medical facilities and medical communities.

We all need to continue to heed all the Centers for Disease Control warnings: wash our hands, use hand sanitizers, enforce the 6-foot rule of social distancing and especially for those vulnerable, stay at home and if you must get out, wear a mask.

Does the mask really help? It does.

First, it shows all who see you that you are aware of the spread of this respiratory virus.

Secondly, it protects those near you from your coughing, sneezing and possibly spreading the infection, that you are not sure you have contracted, onto others.

Get tested if you feel you have the symptoms of this covid-19 virus. And self-quarantine if you have a doubt about an inconclusive test.

As far as going outside the home to restaurants, gyms, tattoo parlors, hair salons, well that is going to depend upon the individual, if the restrictions are lifted.

Large gatherings like church services, movies, bowling alleys, and athletic contests, may take more time before they are allowed.

There are still questions about other public services -- like libraries, museums, events, theme parks, water parks, outdoor playgrounds and ball parks.

There are no certain known rules for how long the virus can live on the surfaces or wood, paper, plastic, steel, and other composite materials. Those answers vary depending upon to whom you listen.

And do we have enough people to wipe down, disinfect all these potential surfaces where hands may touch?

The governor and his medical team in the state, often relying on the national labs and medical experts, have not placed Arkansas in a bad position.

Our state, as we proudly proclaim, is a haven for retirees, so yes, our state of 3 million citizens, has a high rate of those vulnerable to this pandemic.

We also have limited resources of medical facilities should this virus reverse course and expand.

Stay safe. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Keep a social distance from others when possible.

-- Maylon Rice is a former journalist who worked for several northwest Arkansas publications. He can be reached via email at [email protected]. The opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 04/29/2020