By
State Rep. Patrick Corey
The
COVID-19 pandemic has presented us with unique challenges, but with that, comes
resiliency. We are in a better place today, because we’ve changed our habits,
modified our world, and committed to preventing its’ spread. It is now time for
state government to take notice.
Thirty-seven
Windham residents have tested positive for COVID-19, as of June 2, 2020. Our
population is over 18,000. We may never know the outcome of these cases, but
given Maine CDC’s numbers detailing probable cases, recoveries, and deaths,
thankfully, a large majority of those who contract the illness will survive.
That does not negate the loss of those that were taken from us, those who have
suffered on a path to recovery, or will have related long-term health effects.
It does provide hope for people that have tested positive.
Essential
and frontline workers have faced and met many challenges. Healthcare and public
safety workers have gone without the personal protective equipment that keeps
them safe. Some have had to witness the effects of COVID-19, whether it be in a
healthcare setting, or in a home setting. Essential workers, especially those
in retail settings, have kept us afloat. Very few of us were prepared to stay
at home for months. These workers put themselves at-risk in service to us,
under very complicated circumstances.
Because
of essential workers, many of us have been waiting this out at home to flatten
the curve and not overwhelm the healthcare system, so we can return to some
semblance of normal. My household has been fortunate enough to work from home,
granted with some new financial constraints and challenges. I am mostly
concerned for those who cannot. I have assisted many who are now unemployed, or
making far from what they made before. The Maine Department of Labor has been
slow to respond exasperating an already horrible situation for the laid off and
self-employed. I have been doing my best to assist them in fighting for the
benefits they are entitled too.
Businesses,
especially small businesses have been hit hard by the COVID-19 stay-at-home
order. Essential businesses that have been able to operate, have had to
restrict their activities, adopt new procedures, and purchase new equipment to
keep everyone safe. Much of this adaptation has been adopted by businesses in
subsequent phases. I have toured businesses that have opened and those that are
still closed and can assure you that they are going above-and-beyond what is
expected of them. They understand their reputations are at stake.
In
Cumberland County, businesses face a lot of uncertainty right now. Last minute
changes by the Governor cost many of these businesses thousands of dollars when
they bought food in preparation for opening at reduced dine-in capacity. When
the plan changed without adequate notice, some closed for good, after spending
money they didn’t have, likely after already depleting their cash buffers.
There are a number of businesses in our region in the hospitality, outdoor
recreation, and personal services industries that have been pushed off until
July or August in the restart.
I
am upset that our Governor has left the Legislature completely out of policy
decisions affecting our region and our constituents. The people of Maine
elected both a Legislature and a Governor. The Legislature should have input
regarding reopening decisions.
Together,
we have learned a lot over the past few months. Skills that will better prepare
us to safely walk back out into the world. I am more fastidious about hand
washing than I ever was before. I wear a mask when I cannot social distance. I
avoid places and situations where I don’t feel safe. We have all learned to
adapt and that is one of our biggest lines of defense in preventing future
outbreaks and returning to normal.
It
is time for Governor Janet Mills to take notice and trust the public and the
resiliency we have built together. I have faith that our businesses will put
safety first. Please Governor Mills, before it is too late, involve Maine’s
elected Legislature in the decision-making process to help prevent further
division among Maine citizens.
