“Our nation’s economy will remain in crisis as long as the COVID-19 virus spreads unchecked,” according to an open letter economists from leading universities signed in response to the botched pandemic response across the United States. The letter, circulated by U.S. PIRG, calls on public officials to “Start Over and Do It Right” to contain COVID-19 this time. TexPIRG delivered the letter to Governor Abbott today, emphasizing that the state cannot reopen safely until the virus is under control.
“As experts on economic theory and practice, we have come together to insist that you reconsider your understanding of the economic reality we face. By opening the economy and thus encouraging people to meet up at bars, gyms, restaurants, stores and other gatherings, we are prolonging the harm. Those meetings drive up disease, and therefore deaths,” notes the letter.
The letter comes when Governor Abbott recently hinted at easing coronavirus restrictions. “We are still nowhere near where we need to be to reopen,” said Bay Scoggin, TexPIRG Director. “We jumped the gun last time, can’t we learn from our mistakes?”
