Written by Michael Palomba
The City of Oceanside is looking to relax it’s coronavirus lockdown, which includes opening beaches and the local economy.
During a recent Oceanside City Council meeting, council members directed staffers to prepare a letter to be sent to San Diego County Health and Human Services Officer Wilma J. Wooten.
The letter was produced and disseminated earlier this week, and was signed by Oceanside Mayor Peter Weiss, Deputy Mayor Jack Feller, Councilman Ryan Keim, and Councilman Christopher Rodriguez.
The letter demands that beginning May 1—when the current Order of the Health Office and Emergency Regulations expires—several changes be made to grant leniency to Oceanside.
The Oceanside leaders ask for an updated order “that is sensible and provides for a phased and structured opening of our economy. Although necessary at the time, the current Order includes restrictions that, based on current data, can be eased and would provide opportunities for additional businesses to open on a limited basis and begin the period of economic recovery.”
The current data is in reference to Oceanside’s remarkable success in “flattening the curve,” which has minimized the number of COVID-19 cases and kept hospitals well within their capacities. Additionally, three specific requests are made:
- That the number of people defined as a “Gathering” be raised back to 10
- The current prohibition of active sports activities at parks, beaches and other recreation areas be lifted
- The prohibition on “non-essential businesses” to remain closed be lifted
If Democrats and public health officials are truly committed to making decisions based on science and data, then it only makes sense to make these changes to reflect the science and data available.
“Oceanside has put forth extraordinary efforts to flatten the curve but as we push down the curve, like a large balloon, a new curve is created,” said Oceanside City Councilman Christopher Rodriguez. “In this case it is an unemployment and loss of essential revenues curve.”
Rodriguez is exactly correct, of course. The medical situation in Oceanside is in great condition, while the economy is being strained to an unprecedented degree as families and small businesses struggle mightily.
“We are supportive of the need for all activities and businesses to comply with the current ‘Social Distancing and Sanitation Protocol’ be allowed to open. If 7-11, Dollar Tree, and Walmart can comply, then Kohl’s, Mossy Nissan and Bed, Bath & Beyond should also have the opportunity to comply,” the letter adds. “In addition to food, there are many other necessities of life such as clothing, vehicles and household goods and providing access to these items in a safe manner is important, as are the jobs provided by these businesses.”
Local leaders and citizens wanting their economies reopened is a common thread as we learn more about COVID-19. Oceanside and the rest of San Diego is ready to get back to work, and we need these restrictions loosened so we can get our lives back. Which city will ask for its economy back next?
The entire letter from the Oceanside officials can be read here.
