Here in Tex-ASS the Trump-sucking governor is opening EVERYTHING on May 1

I’m sorry, but this is just not true.

• Businesses are limited to 25% capacity to maintain social distancing.
• With regard to places like children’s museums, they may open at 25% capacity, but hands-on exhibits may NOT open. This sort of “hands on” restriction applies to other businesses which require tactile elements. So, your kids aren’t going to Chucky Cheese anytime soon, except to eat pizza and watch the animated band.
• High touch businesses like barbershops, hair salons, bars and gyms must remain closed.
• And obviously, high concentration events like sporting events and concerts are still banned.
• In mid-May, the governor stated there will be a reassessment; if the data shows any resurgence, strictures will be tightened; if not, further loosened.

Texas has the lowest big-state mortality rate in the nation. Despite having four cities among the largest in the US, we have not had any overrun of hospital facilities. And although your point regarding masks is a fair one, that just flat out wasn’t going to happen. When the Harris County judge issued her 30 day mask order, the first response from the Houston police chief was basically “Pfft. We’re not going to enforce that.” Pretty much the end of the discussion, right there. (Houston makes up about 60% of the population of Harris County.)

At any rate, the objective of lockdowns was to flatten the curve. Here’s what the curve looks like in the fourth largest city in the country:

Looks pretty flat to to me. :-)

So, if flattening is achieved, and the caseload has been on the downslope for three weeks…….well, if now isn’t the time to loosen….when is?

If you wait until risk = 0, then you never open. Ever. Because Andy’s correct, a vaccine is a LONG way off, IF EVER.