I'm as concerned about the physiological effects of the virus as anyone. But I also recognize that the world can't simply shut down for 18 months. I mean, that sounds like a great solution until you realize that the overwhelming majority of businesses will fail much sooner than that. If you think a global pandemic is bad...wait until most of society gets desperate and starts to revolt. And I don't mean cabin fever...I mean "I have no more money or food. I'm going to take matters into my own hands" desperate.

So while I understand the need to protect people as much as possible, at some point we are going to be faced with the reality that 1) this virus is eventually going to run its course whether we like it or not and 2) the longer we make it take to do so, the worse the overall financial pain will be, which will also carry a heavy socioeconomic toll, as well. People will die because they run out of money/food/medicine/basic supplies, or because they have a mental breakdown and commit suicide.

So I understand people's fear about getting sick. But at the same time, I think there needs to be honest discussion about allowing people to assume the risk of going back to work on their own time table. For those who aren't comfortable doing so, I totally understand and they should be given the option to continue to shelter in place. But for those who want to take the risk of going back to work in order to make ends meet and provide for their families, I think it would be improper and short-sighted to not at least consider a plan to allow them to do so.

Just my two cents.