In order to protect the physical and economic wellbeing of Arizona's people, we must join the Western States Pact. The Western States Pact is meant to empower states to work together and fight through this crisis. Additionally, the Arizona economy is closely tied to California's; without taking the appropriate measures it will be irrevocably harmed. Arizona must be proactive against this virus, and without cooperating with our closest neighbors that will be nigh-impossible. Moreover, members of the Western States Pact have been highly effective in mitigating the spread of SARS-CoV-2, especially compared with the rest of the United States.

Arizona is home to a sizable elderly population; if we do not take act immediately these valuable members of society are vulnerable to suffer costly and torturous deaths en-masse. Arizonans must come together, not only to protect vulnerable groups critically impacted by this plague, but the multitudes of people who cannot afford the intensive care frequently required to treat SARS-CoV-2 infections.

Studies of the Spanish Flu have indicated that regions enacting social distancing and quarantine protocols protected their people and their economies. The Federal Government has refused to take sufficient action, lagging behind similarly developed countries. Arizona should join our close neighbors in the Western States Pact, who have already begun taming this beast.

We must stand strong as Arizonans to protect ourselves from the ravages of Covid-19.