Unfortunately, there are also many indications that the spread of the virus has not been fully stopped, so any attempts at a resumption of economic activity may incidentally backfire and produce unintended effects.
The Hope
A best case scenario would look something like this:
- Business begins to reopen
- Social activity returns with maintained distancing and sanitation
- Customers and sales return to local Jacksonville businesses
- At-risk populations remain at home, safely
The goal here would be to slowly build up herd immunity while protecting the most vulnerable individuals (elderly, pre-existing conditions, etc...)
Infection rates would continue to climb - but slowly. Hospital admissions related to COVID-19 would continue to be treated, but the hope would be to keep the rates low enough so that the new patients do not overwhelm the medical system.
The Risk
A worst-case scenario could also develop:
- Business reopens, but a vast majority of customers stay home
- A false sense of victory diminishes social distancing and other precautions
- Infection is spread to at-risk populations through grocery stores and other essential retail
- Economic stagnation lasts for years until herd immunity or a vaccine is achieved
Rushing out to declare victory may very well be the worst option available right now. While six weeks of central quarantine with test & trace is enough to completely eliminate endemic infections, six weeks of casual social distancing and half-enforced stay at home orders hasn't done much but bend the curve.
If we extend the slowdown anyway, we may be on our way to the economic worst-case scenario. Is your business and SEO strategy ready for that? We are. Call us today to find out how Jacksonville SEO can help your business adapt to the challenges of the 21st century.
