Polk County Community has yet to see a large impact based on the COVID19 testing. However, neighboring Orange County, as well Hillsborough are becoming aware of the rise of confirmed cases, and beginning to issue curfews and safer/stay at home orders.

Many of Polk County Citizens work, or travel to the neighboring counties including to get tested at other healthcare facilities. While Polk in particular may not show as many cases of COVID19, given the population we should keep it low by issuing a “stay at home order.” We cannot allow non-essential businesses especially malls, golf courses, beauty shops, etc. to continue to operate as they are not practicing social distancing, nor “following less than 10 person guideline.”

The essential workforce would include those who work in public safety, stores that handle groceries and pharmacy medications, transportation, telecommunications, mail and other shipping, and utilities.

Yes, there will be economic impacts, but the amount of lives that could be saved by closing businesses for a few weeks will outweigh the cost of being closed.

You as our elected leaders should be stepping up to protect our citizens from COVID19, by creating a “stay at home order” since the cases will increase if we allow our local businesses to continue to operate.