> It's in the government's interest, as an institution, to open things up ASAP. Theories by which it is in a government's interest to delay reopening longer th

> It's in the government's interest, as an institution, to open things up ASAP. Theories by which it is in a government's interest to delay reopening longer than optimal: 1. The Governor's political interests lie in "doing something," to contrast with "do nothing" political approaches. Ceasing to "do something" erases this advantage. 2. Masks and closure become a political symbol to certain classes -- almost a political advertisement -- and those classes tend to see the burdens as insignificant and a "community responsibility." Efforts to reopen, then, are seen as opposed to the good of the community. 3. Industries and activities that support the Governor will increase COVID cases, so the Governor decides other industries and activities are "nonessential," shifting costs from supporters to non-supporters. 4. The Governor is politically or legally risk averse, and defers to the most conservative health authorities to avoid responsibility for outcomes. 5. The Governor underweights economic impacts, because it believes the Federal Government should use tax policy or welfare to socialize the economic costs of the "required" costs. Granted, these aren't fears the government will remain irrational forever, just that it will stay irrational longer than people can stay liquid. I do think some people will swap roles after the US election, and they will rediscover a patriotic duty to muddle through, as our elected officials do the best they can.