Sen. Ron Johnson and Scott Walker: COVID-19 is not a partisan issue. Let’s do what we can to stop the spread

As a current U.S. senator and a former governor of Wisconsin, we realize our role in state COVID-19 policy is largely limited to offering advice to current state office holders. Neither of us have been overly critical of elected officials having to make tough decisions with imperfect information. But as better science becomes available, it is important to use it to modify policy accordingly.

In Wisconsin, we encourage Gov. Tony Evers and Republicans in the state Legislature to work together on reasonable steps that can be taken to fight the virus. In Washington, we encourage the same for President Donald Trump and both Republicans and Democrats in Congress.

We also ask that government officials reach out and work with employers, particularly small business owners, to find reasonable actions to protect the health of our citizens while restoring our economy. This will require working together.

First, factor in the human toll of widespread shutdowns and limit economic harm by focusing on non-essential businesses that represent a significant risk for out-of-control spread. The most up-to-date science indicates that the coronavirus primarily spreads via aerosolized droplets indoors through close and prolonged contact. As much as Wisconsinites hate to hear this, crowded bars and taverns are risky venues.

One of the few good news stories is that children have an extremely low probability of serious complications. We need a plan to reopen all schools safely while protecting vulnerable teachers, administrators and other adults working in schools with known risk factors. Keeping schools closed will have growing and long-lasting negative consequences.