A report on local conditions. As I've mentioned previously, I used to travel quite a bit to get lessons. This means I'm still on email lists for various studios in my state and neighboring states.
Regionally, cases and deaths have maybe flattened, but have not yet started decreasing. In some hareas cases continue to increase.
State 1 - stay at home order continues, with minimal lifting of a few restrictions here and there, such as some elective medical procedures. Restaurants, hair salons, dance studios, etc, all still closed. Per Governor, this will continue for the whole state at least the rest of this month, possibly longer.
State 1 - dance studios still closed, some hoping to open on a limited basis in June, but waiting and seeing what will be allowed and when. Some are doing virtual lessons quite successfully. A couple of studios mentioned they were successful in getting PPP funding.
State 2 - gradually reopening this month. This state doesn't test as much as state 1, and is known for being a pro-business state. They have a few hot spots, but even those areas are set to gradually reopen, just a week or two behind the other areas, without waiting for declining cases. Churches, gatherings of up to 25, and more non-essential businesses like restaurants are allowed to open now or shortly with some precautions.
State 2 - one local studio sent out an email about being excited to resume business next week. Private lessons only. Extra hand washing and wiping down surfaces. Masks optional, based on student preference. No groups (lessons, socials) yet, but maybe in coming weeks.
There are several other neighboring states which are a mixed bag, and I assume the studios vary similarly - several states are staying very restricted for now, others are pushing reopening. Major urban area hot spots are near state borders in some of these cases - and studios are clustered by these urban areas. None of the reopening states that I have followed in my region seem to me to have great procedures, such as mask requirements, up and ready to go with contact tracing, good test capacity, etc. So it's unclear how they'll be able to respond if they have a surge in cases. Given that they are near other states that are having trouble getting infections under control even with strong restrictions, it doesn't look good (to me) for those reopening now. I'm grateful my job lets me work from home, as I'd hate to be deciding between going to work in unsafe conditions, and losing my job during this mess.
I'm sad to see the studio in State 2 opening so soon, and with masks optional as well. I totally sympathize with them for wanting to get back to business. But the majority of their clientele is 60+, and so are some of the teachers! So I fear that they will be joining many other businesses in their area in contributing to the spread of the disease. And I fear that some of my old friends and other dancers will become victims of this disease because they can't help themselves and rush to get back to the studio. If the governor says it's ok, and the studio is open, it must be safe, right? Even though the next city/county over is still out of control. Sigh.
I'm also concerned more generally that the states that are relaxing restrictions sooner will negatively impact themselves (more people sick and dying, more overwhelmed health care workers) as well as their neighbors that are keeping restrictions in place and trying hard to get infection rates down. People will cross state lines for haircuts, restaurant meals, and perhaps dance lessons.
I sure hope this goes better than I'm thinking it will ... And I really hope the vulnerable older dancers continue to stay home for now, and not just from dance, either. My older relative had a telehealth appointment yesterday. We've known this doctor for a long time, great guy, great attitude, top of his specialty. He's working, but scared for himself, his family, his patients, and the community, and said so. Sobering to see the change in him.
