Businesses and local officials balance safety and economy

Since the novel coronavirus first impacted our community in early March, many of the stories in our paper have focused on the impact of the shutdown on businesses and how our community is responding to living life in a COVID-19 world.

 

Initially, we reported on how restaurants were responding. As time went on and more closures and social distancing measures were announced, we reported on the steps that schools, churches, retailers, and real estate firms have implemented. This week, we look at three service industries — events, construction and home repairs, and in-home cleaning and organization — and offer a glimpse at how these businesses are operating, adapting and attempting to survive.

 

Central to all these reports is that businesses, places of worship, and schools are actively finding ways to balance the need to be safe with the need to conduct activity and business.

 

On Monday I joined in on the first ever Daniel Island GOP Zoom meeting. The group gathered together state and local officials to share information on responses to the pandemic and plans for reopening the economy. Elected officials speaking via Zoom were South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson, State House District 99 Rep.

Nancy Mace, State Senator Larry Grooms, Berkeley County Councilman Josh Whitley, and Charleston City Councilwoman Marie Delcioppo. 

 

The Attorney General’s comments revolved around law enforcement issues, such as price gouging, scams, Second Amendment rights, and court shutdowns. He also discussed the tension between local and state authority to issue emergency orders, supporting the authority of the governor over that of local mayors.

 

The other leaders addressed the issues most affecting their constituents, with navigating unemployment claims the most prevalent. They also talked about the impact of the economy on government budgets and on solutions to effectively balance restarting the economy while keeping folks safe.

 

Thankfully, the number of COVID-19 cases in the 29492 zip code, which was at 11 as of Monday, April 20, has remained flat for several straight days. On April 4, DHEC reported eight cases in 29492 and over the last several days the number has plateaued and remained at 11.

 

A mass infection to our area like New York City is experiencing would be both a human catastrophe and likely far worse for the economy than adapting to the stay-in order for the short term. As the ingenuity of our local community demonstrates, businesses are adapting, reduced as their coffers may be, attempting to survive as the easing of restrictions and as testing and tracing become more accessible.

 

These are not easy discussions to have or decisions to make. Some favor placing the scale’s fulcrum closer to safety, others favor it closer to reopening the economy. You can share your input with your local leaders: Nancy Mace, nancy@nancymace.org; Larry Grooms, larry@larrygrooms.com; Josh Whitley, jwhitley@smythwhitley.com; Marie Delcioppo, delcioppom@charleston-sc.gov.

 

MAKE MOM’S DAY

 

Among those leading the charge to keep families healthy and safe are our mothers. Mom is often the rule setter and the rule enforcer in many households, and with Mother’s Day just around the corner, what better time to celebrate moms and all the work they do for those they love. We ask our readers to share stories about an amazing mom in their life. Send your write up, along with a photo, to pam@thedanielislandnews.com. Or take our quick survey and answer some fun questions about mom online. Check out our ad on page 23 for more information about our special Mother’s Day edition.

 

BRING ON THE BINGO!

 

This week we introduce a bingo game called “Shop Local.” Please find the card and rules on page 13. We encourage you to support the local businesses and charities and to make your purchases with an eye toward completing a B-I-N-G-O and winning a prize.