Commentary: State's COVID-19 policy needs reboot

In recent weeks, the co-chair of former Vice-President Joe Biden's COVID-19 Task Force, Dr. Vivek Murthy, told FOX News viewers that the nation needs a new approach to protecting its public health and jobs, and that shutdowns, when necessary, should be applied "judicially and precisely." Even as COVID cases are increasing nationally, Dr. Murthy cited New York's use of zip codes to measure cases so that lockdowns are applied with the "precision of a scapple than the blunt force of an axe." New York Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo refers to this approach as a "micro-cluster" strategy where less restrictions are applied to safer neighborhoods, and enhanced testing and mitigation in others. It is this approach that the Folsom Chamber of Commerce has advocated for months, for Folsom has consistently reported the lowest number of COVID-19 cases in Sacramento County, yet its economy is locked down as if it has the highest. Their position has only been strengthened by state contact tracing data that reveals most recent COVID cases can be attributed to private in-home gatherings and long-term health facilities, and not shopping or dining-in. There is also a growing sense of urgency. This past week, the state of California imposed new COVID-19 restrictions on Sacramento County, returning to the days when retail stores were limited to 25-percent capacity and restaurants, gyms, movie theaters and places of worship were closed for indoor activity. This could not come at a worse time for businesses banking on the holiday Christmas season to break even after nearly nine months of financial losses. This month, Black Friday will mark the official kick-off of the holiday shopping season. Traditionally, many businesses generate over 50 percent of their annual revenue during November and December. This should be a time of profit and hiring workers, but not this year. Restaurants simply can't comfortably serve guests outdoors as the weather turns colder and wet, and retailers can't turn a profit at lower customer capacities, all the while competing with online retailers. As Bobbi Eddy, the owner of Not too Shabby, told the Folsom Telegraph, "As a small business owner, I am dedicated to the health and safety of my customers. Their safety is important to sustaining my business, especially during the holiday season when I typically generate over 70 percent of my annual revenue. It saddens me that without a robust holiday shopping season, many businesses will shutter their doors in the coming months." The broader economic impact of the shutdowns has not been fully realized. Small businesses are a primary source of jobs and sales tax revenue for Folsom. Unlike big-box stores and fast-food restaurants, they also define our community's character and highlight its charm. As an example, think no further than Folsom's Historic District, an iconic district that draws thousands of tourists a year. Under the current course, it is only a matter of time before the city cuts public services, most notably, police and fire protection, parks, and street maintenance. All these public services are critical to protecting our quality of life and home values. Communities with high crime rates and shuttered storefronts are not viewed as desirable places to live. This holiday season, support our community, stop shopping online, shop and dine locally, Folsom depends on it. As Biden's COVID advisor told FOX News, lockdowns should be a matter of last resort and there is an urgent need to develop measured approaches to protecting the public health, the economy and schools. Gov. Gavin Newsom should listen and so should fellow Americans whose views are often defined by political affiliation or preference for president of the United States. During this pandemic, we need to shed entrenched political beliefs so that we can recognize that Folsom can be both safe and its economy strong. Marko Mlikotin is the owner of River City Communications, a Folsom-based public affairs firm.