How should the average person weigh economic responsibility against the health risks associated with opening the economy? Are there ways we can help both without them negatively impacting one another?

Chris Kemp, M.S.:

I think, when possible, we should mitigate the health risks first, and then find ways to protect economic interests. Make good choices and find new ways to spend money: order curbside pick-up from restaurants, support your favorite brewery from home, buy from your favorite vendors online, purchase gift cards from businesses you'd like to support. Remember, you're much more valuable to the economy if you survive the pandemic.

Alison Bernstein, Ph.D.:

Wear masks, wash your hands, stay home if you can so that those who have to go out are safer. 

The more we do this, the more economic activity can continue. 

The more frequent and larger our outbreaks, the chance of needing another lockdown goes up, which is bad for the economy. 

We did not need to be in this economic or public health situation. The fact that this is where we are 3-4 months in is due to a failure to act, a failure to communicate and a failure to care. It did not have to be this way.