America, wake up and be sensible about “opening up the country.” Mistakes can be incredibly costly, in lives lost, in hospital care and in setbacks in facing down the coronavirus.

The Thai population (~66 m) is roughly equal to the combined population of Texas, Florida, Georgia & S. Carolina (~65.1 m). Yet, despite proximity to the coronavirus epicenter, lots of Chinese tourists and very different health care, /2

Thailand has about 2 for every 100 COVID cases in these 4 states combined (TH: 3,307; TX-FL-GA-SC: 138,120 cases). Deaths, TH: 56; TX-FL-GA-SC: 5,626.

Why the difference?

Thais are now chafing at the bit to reopen the economy, after 2 1/2 months of stay at home orders with severe economic impacts. Despite economic hardship, compliance with prevention measures was strong: eating out, nightlife and travel came to a standstill, schools closed and

Virtually everyone wore masks in public. Every office, grocery or other essential business which remained open and required patrons to wear face masks & use hand sanitizer. Most required face masks.

Community spread of the virus is virtually unknown in Thailand, partly because of these prevention measures. Active tracing by community health volunteers (and, going forward, an online platform requiring check in at most places of business) has stopped spread within households.

Further, Thailand has a strong culture of respect for others, and, despite hot humid weather, willingness to wear face masks. I wear a face mask without any thought that someone would even think of spitting on me; could I do that at home in rural Eastern Colorado?

Behavioral changes that the Thai CDC, & the US counterpart, calls for are based on sound science, respect for others & the goal of limiting spread of a virus not yet fully understood to save lives, save $$ & enable us to live safely until a vaccine is widely available worldwide.

Wear a mask. Wash your hands. Limit excursions, avoid crowds, and comply with contact tracing if it applies in your area. We can get through this together, as one .