We’re getting a clearer idea of what our city’s path forward will look like. Friday afternoon, Charleston Mayor John Tecklenburg presented a three-step challenge for response and recovery, which is founded on medical soundness, flexibility, transparency + economic impact.

Here’s what it looks like:

Step one: Shutdown to stop the spread

This is what’s happening now. Businesses, restaurants + services have and are continuing to shut down in an attempt to stop further spreading of COVID-19, and residents are required to adhere to social distancing protocol as well as stay at home orders.

Step two: Strategic reopening to prevent future outbreaks

This is what will happen next, once the virus has been suppressed. This process needs to be carried out in a gradual, precise way, with confidence that the medical field is adequately equipped for a potential surge, with capability for strong testing and contact tracing capabilities. Under this approach, businesses would be able to reopen gradually, with continued social distancing and limits on crowd size.

Step three: Restoring our economy with added resilience

Finally, once a vaccine or treatment is widely available. Following the success of the first two steps, businesses and services will eventually return to normal and social activities can resume. The government will also need to maintain investments in public health to protect against future outbreaks, and economic development efforts will need to focus on multiple industries and sectors, which will deliver more resilience through greater diversity.

The plan was presented to the City Council on Friday afternoon for feedback.

View an outline of the plan here, and watch the full presentation of the plan here.

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