Petersen Senate Sentinel: Why We Need to Reopen Virginia Dear Friends, Virginians, Citizens of Fairfax: Two months ago, the Federal and state governments recognized the harm of the novel corona-virus and the need for immediate action. Within days, nearly all U.S. states had implemented closures of schools, businesses and public spaces. Citizens were told that these temporary measures were necessary to "flatten the curve" of virus infections. Sixty days later, there is no end in sight to the virus. Case numbers are rising, not falling, despite stringent "social distancing" policies which have caused massive unemployment. Politicians are still talking about "solving" the public health issue before opening the economy, but that misses the point. The problem is not medical, it's geometric. A flattened curved is a straight line. And a straight line never ends. Last Friday, the Governor announced plans to reopen Virginia in a very limited "Phase One" capacity. Northern Virginia, at the request of some local politicians, will remain closed for at least two more weeks. That delay will only defer the health issue, as the virus will still exist on May 29th. Meanwhile, more small businesses will die. It's time for common sense. In that vein, let me offer the following: 1. Infection numbers are driven by TESTING. The more testing you do, the more cases you will uncover. And the more cases you uncover, the more persons will be hospitalized and more fatalities will occur due to that tested condition. 2. Testing is good and should be implemented on the widest possible basis. It lets you know who has the virus and needs to be segregated until they are no longer a danger to vulnerable populations. 3. The highest rates of COVID occur in densely-populates areas, like New York. No amount of social distancing will change this fundamental fact. 4. Exposure builds immunity. The overwhelming majority (98%) of those who test positive for COVID will recover and develop antibodies. The figure is 60x higher for those under 21. There is no long-term benefit to keeping children locked up this weekend (or any other), as their body loses the chance to gain vital protections. 5. We must allow freedom. Every day, citizens in this nation make adult choices: to eat meat, to drink alcohol, to travel. By keeping Northern Virginia "closed," we are telling our citizens (99.8% who are not sick with COVID) that they cannot be trusted to make the most elemental life decisions. If people feel vulnerable, then they have the right to stay home, but they cannot force that same decision on 8.6 million people. For 60 days, I have watched as the most fearful voices have dictated the policies of this Commonwealth. That must change. I agree with the Governor and wish him God speed in moving through the phases of re-opening. It's time to reopen Virginia. JCP Notes: I'm pleased to announce that "Virginia 30-day Fund" has provided help to 156 businesses, including nine in the Fairfax/Vienna area. We still need help so feel free to contact us at www.va30dayfund.org. With all the Executive Orders and conflicting instructions, please feel free to contact our offices at ------ or ---- with your questions and concerns. Like you, we are trying to figure this out as we go along! And let us know how we can represent you better. -Chap | 
