It’s time for Texans to get back to work, U.S. Senator Ted Cruz told a group of Coastal Bend leaders during a tele-conference Wednesday, April 15. The call was put together by the United Corpus Christi Chamber of Commerce and included updates on the regional response to the COVID-19 pandemic and questions to the senator from Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales, Corpus Christi Mayor Joe McComb, Port of Corpus Christi CEO Sean Strawbridge, and Chamber President John LaRue.
“We have implemented extraordinary measures to flatten the curve and stop the spread of the disease, and it has had meaningful impact,” Cruz said. “But the economic impact has been devastating.”
He praised Governor Greg Abbott and President Trump for planning announcements this week about how and when the economy can begin to reopen. Abbott is expected to make an announcement sometime Friday.
Cruz added, however, that reopening businesses should be handled region by region based on local circumstances, hard science, and data, pointing to New York City as an example.
“New York City is undergoing an extraordinary public health challenge,” Cruz said. “New York is not going back to work tomorrow. Other parts of the country are facing different circumstances.”
Scenarios suggested by Cruz include workers wearing masks and gloves, restaurants moving tables 6 feet apart, and policies protecting vulnerable populations.
“The elderly and those more vulnerable should still shelter in place,” he said. “Young, healthy people should be moving and moving quickly to get back to work.”
Mayor McComb agreed, emphasizing that many people are getting restless, especially as the April 30 date on current stay-at-home orders gets closer.
“Psychologically, this April 30th date is something everyone has hoped for and prayed for,” he said. “If we don’t see something rattling soon that says we can get people back to work after the 30th, the percentage of patience will drop substantially.”
Both sides of the ledger have to be weighed, Cruz responded, adding that he is leaning more to the business side.
“I’m ready to get Texas back to work and let local officials respond creatively,” he said.
For more tips on how to keep yourself, your workspace, and your home safe, visit the COVID-19 resources webpage at CCBizNews.com/covid-19. You’ll also find information on the latest news, closures, cancellations, and public orders along with informational links to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the World Health Organization.
If you think you have the coronavirus, please contact the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District at 361-826-7200, and a representative will give you instructions. Check the city’s webpage for more information.
