The Two Places Dr. Fauci Says Need To Close Now

During a December 7th press conference held by New York governor Andrew Cuomo, Dr. Anthony Fauci asked the governor why in-person learning had been suspended while bars and restaurants were allowed to remain open across the state. He pointed out that test positivity in schools, quote, "is actually really low, which is a good thing." Fauci feels it is in the interest of public health to close bars and restaurants immediately to tamp down the spread of COVID-19, which has been on the rise across the nation, including in New York state. Current data shows that over the last seven days, there have been 19,202 confirmed new cases of COVID in the Empire State, which is an increase over the previous seven days (via NYC.Gov). Presently, the state is still allowing bars and restaurants to serve customers, but with extremely reduced capacity and with other restrictions. For instance, indoor dining is allowed across the state, but in New York City proper the capacity must be reduced to 25 percent, while restaurants can operate at 50 percent capacity in other areas of the state. Even so, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases says the state's current policy of keeping bars and restaurants open while keeping schools closed is counterintuitive, and if the governor is going to do the latter, he should do the former as well. Some states have already done what Fauci is suggesting, like California, where Governor Gavin Newsom and the state health department has issued a stay-at-home order that goes into effect in any region where intensive care unit availability falls below 15 percent. In this case, citizens have to stay home for three weeks, leaving only for essentials. Gatherings with anyone outside the immediate household is prohibited, theaters, bars, breweries and other businesses must close, and restaurants cannot offer indoor dining, though they can still provide takeout and delivery services. New York would be setting a precedent if it decides to heed Fauci's suggestion to close down bars and restaurants, as other states are still allowing such businesses to function, albeit with many restrictions. Currently, Connecticut has rolled back to stage 2 (rather than the more uninhibited stage three) in the face of the uptick in COVID cases; restaurants must restrict indoor dining to 50 percent capacity and close by 10 p.m. New Jersey bars and restaurants must also close by 10 p.m., and sitting at a bar is prohibited, though tables can be placed closer than six feet apart if there is a physical barrier between them. Another nearby state that has been among the most cautious, Massachusetts, is also still allowing indoor dining with reduced capacity and with table service ending by 9:30 p.m. One state to institute a stay-at-home order lately is Rhode Island. Governor Gina Raimondo issued a two-week order that became effective on November 30th. During this time, gyms, recreational areas like bowling alleys, and bar areas of indoor restaurants must close. While indoor dining at restaurants is still allowed, capacity must be reduced to 33 percent, and only members of the same household are allowed to sit at a table together. The governor has called this a "pause" in the state's reopening plan in an effort to slow the spread of the virus and ensure the health and safety of citizens. Whether or not your state has closed bars and restaurants, if Dr. Fauci suggests they should be avoided, you might want to follow this guidance. #DrFauci