Saturday, May 2, 2020

Comparing Kentucky coronovirus(Stay at home order) to Arkansas(No stay at home order)...

Arkansas never issued a stay at home order for citizens. They did close some businesses. Churches were not closed as long as they abide by the 6ft distancing rule. Masks are recommended for the public, but not mandated. By May 11th, they will almost all be back open, including elective surgery, gyms, barber shops and restaurants. Here is the schedule.
Arkansas Department of Health Directives & Orders
May 11: Directive on Resuming Restaurant Dine-In Operations
May 6: Directive for Barber Shops, Body Art Establishments, Cosmetology Establishments, Massage Therapy Clinics/Spas, and Medical Spas
May 4: Directive for Gym, Fitness Center, Athletic Club and Weight Room Reopening
April 27: Directive for Resuming Elective Procedures

Kentucky has an indefinite stay at home order. Churches were closed and May 11th, everyone who goes out will be required to wear a mask. Elective surgery will resume May 6, 2020.  Here is Kentucky's current opening schedule.

  • May 11 – Manufacturing, construction, vehicle and vessel dealerships, professional services (at 50% of pre-outbreak capacity), horse racing (without spectators), pet grooming and boarding
  • May 20 – Retail, houses of worship
  • May 25 – Social gatherings of no more than 10 people, barbers, salons, cosmetology businesses and similar services
You may notice restaurants and gyms aren't even on the list at the moment.

Why is Kentucky more severe and did it help? As for why, it's difficult to understand. Kentucky never had a big coronovirus outbreak or large number of hospitalizations or deaths. Gov. Andy Beshear, who ran as a moderate, has seized the crisis and went full fascist. Has it helped? No. The data does not support his totalitarian overreaction. A comparison with Arkansas which has similar demographics and location doesn't support Beshear's actions and delay in reopening.

From Worldometer 05/01/20:Kentucky is top line, Arkansas is bottom.
The case rate per million is about the same. Arkansas has half the death rate, but both states are low compared to other states.

Arkansas demographics:

Kentucky demographics:
Arkansas has a little smaller population, but a little larger minority(hard hit nationally) percentage.

Kentucky Gov. Beshear has destroyed Kentucky's economy, and still is, for no significant statistical gain against coronovirus. How bad is the difference economically between Kentucky and Arkansas? Kentucky now has the highest unemployment in the continental US. 268 jobs per 1000 have been lost in the last six weeks. That's 28.6%. Kentucky's UI system has been overwhelmed and many can't get paid. Meanwhile, Arkansas lost 129 jobs per 1000. Andy Beshear should resign or be impeached and removed for malfeasance by the KY Legislator.

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