6 Keys to Opening as Soon and Safely As Possible

We all want to open things back up. We can open sooner and safer if we address these six areas:

1) Confirm cases and deaths from the virus have been decreasing steadily for at least 14 days.

2) Ensure healthcare systems are ready in case there is a resurgence so health workers are not harmed and patients can be supported.

3) Implement the 'Box It In' strategy through strategic testing, prompt isolation, contact tracing, and quarantine to keep the virus in a box.

4) Protect those most vulnerable to the virus – older and medically vulnerable people will need to shelter and shield for longer.

5) Have new safety measures in place – open in phases, waiting at least 3 weeks to see if there’s spread between steps, use hand sanitizer, door-front shop pickups, open spaces, physical distancing, and more. We need creativity to re-design for safety in the Era of Covid.

6) Track the virus closely to implement physical distancing again if virus spread could overwhelm our health or public health services.