I do not state the position that the Chinese coronavirus is nonexistent. Nor do I suggest that anyone in the high-risk categories put themselves in harm’s way. Both of those ideas would be foolish and reckless.

However, as more and more numbers are recalculated and reconfigured (as I foretold in my previous article) the federal, state, and local response to this pandemic — to keep America closed for an indefinite amount of time — is the cure that’s worse than the disease itself.

It’s as if the coronavirus is the only offender of concern, not heart disease, cancer, the flu, or any other condition already plaguing our nation. After all, the Centers for Disease Control has guidelines to address a number of rampant health conditions. It seems we’ve only become aware of these guidelines in light of this pandemic. But I digress…

The case for COVID-19 response has been made through the various public health mandates — however invasive or challenging they can be. As President Donald Trump empowers his second coronavirus task force, it’s time the case is made for starting up the engine of America again.

(1.) Suicide

In Tennessee’s Knox County, an alarming nine suicides were reported in less than 48 hours, according to the Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network. The mainstream media mocked President Trump as he foretold of this grave concern. This doesn’t even begin to address the impact of isolation on the mental health of so many Americans who are left hopeless as their businesses have closed (some of them for good). Prolonging this quarantine beyond what is necessary will create an epidemic of despair, which no vaccine can address.

(2.) Alcohol abuse

As churches across the nation close, stores selling alcohol are still open for business. And despite the World Health Organization’s request to halt alcohol sales, Nielsen reports that online alcohol sales went up more than 243%. With some economists predicting 47 million jobs lost, people are turning to the unhealthiest of ways to cope. According to Alcohol.org, one in three respondents say they’re likely to drink more alcohol while isolated. We can expect a surge of alcoholism and alcohol-related conditions and even death. My worry is that these numbers, paired with incoming suicide statistics, will eclipse the number of COVID-19 deaths altogether.

(3.) Domestic abuse

The New York Times reported that cases of domestic abuse are soaring as staying at home creates dangerous situations for spouses in conflict. It’s a shame that some couples work long hours to escape the hell in their households. To then be quarantined together for an indefinite amount of time only adds a steady stream of gasoline on an existing fire, resulting in everything from arguments to full-on assaults.

(4.) Depression

For anyone diagnosed with clinical depression, the most common advice is to go outside and maintain an active lifestyle — both of which are greatly hindered due to quarantine. While protecting ourselves from this unseen viral threat, we must ask ourselves what other problems will emerge as a result, and also if these adjustments have a positive or negative impact on us. Mental health should be included.

(5.) Comfort with idleness, sloth and unproductivity

COVID-19 concerns are keeping people at home, and while some hardworking Americans wish to get back to the grind, others are growing complacent with their new life (or lack thereof). They’ve settled for DoorDash and Amazon orders, and are perfectly happy living in a bubble they never have to leave. More people are adopting this mindset as they lose hope in a robust economy and “go baby” on society. And while I appreciate the economic relief money, the dark side of it is the emboldening of the unproductive among us. So long as they receive a direct deposit, no effort will be made. Of course, for these types, there’s no need to reopen America — at least for now.