COVID-19 is still an issue in SC. That’s not ‘peddling fear’ — it’s just being real

Over the last several weeks a narrative has begun to gradually seep its way into just about any conversation regarding the state of COVID-19 in our state.

The growing narrative goes like this:

If an individual or an entity points out that COVID-19 is still a threat that South Carolinians must continue to take seriously, that individual or entity isn’t simply stating genuine concern about an ongoing pandemic.

Oh, no.

Not at all.

No, according to the new narrative that’s gaining traction, here’s what that individual or entity is really doing:

They’re ... they’re ... peddling panic!

They’re ... they’re ... fear-mongering!

They’re ... they’re ... overhyping the issue for cynical gain!

They’re ... they’re ... over-egging the pudding!

(Well, actually, we haven’t heard that last accusation yet. But give it time — it’s sure to come. )

3 facts, 3 questions

So maybe it would be helpful at this point for us to play a quick game of “Three straightforward facts, three simple questions.”

Ready?

▪ Here’s Fact No.1:

Within a three-day period, USC quarantined five sorority houses on campus because of coronavirus concerns.

“Frankly, we’re watching Greek Life very closely,” USC President Robert Caslen told the university’s board of trustees during a recent meeting.

Now here’s Question No. 1:

Is Caslen “peddling panic”?

▪ Here’s Fact No. 2:

In the course of a single day, the number of coronavirus cases on the USC campus doubled from 183 to 374.

“Am I concerned? Yes, I am, ” Caslen told the USC trustees. “Is it acceptable? No. It’s not. I don’t know if you can sustain 191 positives (a day).”

Now here’s Question No. 2:

Is Caslen “fear-mongering”?

▪ Here’s Fact No. 3:

While the percentage of positive tests for COVID-19 in South Carolina is now 8.1% — the lowest it’s been in two months — that’s still higher than the 5% goal that State Epidemiologist Linda Bell has said our state should seek to reach.

Now here’s Question No. 3:

What possible cynical, nefarious benefit is to be gained from pointing out that gap still exists?

Reality, not negativity

Since we’ve already given you the three forthright facts, let’s provide you with the correct answers to the three questions: “no,” “no” and “none.”

And that’s why this should be the narrative that dominates any truly constructive discussion about COVID-19 in our state:

The virus remains a lethal threat in South Carolina.

Period.

And saying as much isn’t being negative — it’s being realistic.

Move forward — but stay awake

Yes, we must continue to be resolute in finding a new normal way of life in the age of COVID-19 across our state.

Yes, our students must get on with their education — and ideally inside classrooms when it’s safely possible.

Yes, our businesses must be able to operate and revive amid COVID-19 under guidelines that are rigorous without being burdensome — a principle that the city of Columbia, for example, would do well to keep in mind during the weeks and months ahead.

Yes, in general, we do have to get on with things as productively as we can while COVID-19 remains over our shoulders and above our heads.

But here’s the thing:

As long COVID-19 does remain over our shoulders and above our heads in South Carolina, it’s those who insist on pretending otherwise who deserve the censorious scrutiny that’s now being increasingly and bizarrely directed toward anybody or anyone who’s simply wants South Carolinians to remember this:

Our battle against COVID-19 isn’t over — and it remains one that has a lot at stake.

That’s not spreading panic.

That’s not indulging in hype.

That’s not fueling fear.

That’s just being real.

Let’s stop denying it — and let’s just focus on dealing with it.

Stay awake, South Carolina.