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When all the pandemic confusion subsides, we hope the news is better than we expect, and the mood here and across the world can lighten.
Without question, this week has been grim. Hamilton County confirmed its first COVID-19 case in the Chattanooga area. Virus numbers statewide rose steadily. Testing questions festered. Stocks made record tumbles. Store shelves emptied. Schools and businesses closed. The horrifying reality of a global pandemic began to set in, and on Friday President Donald Trump declared America in a state of national emergency.
Each time the president has spoken, the markets ricocheted further, and the cacophony of disconnect about repeatedly promised tests became a discordant clamor. Friday was the exception, with stocks rebounding slightly as media outlets reported the expected declaration and news that private companies were stepping in to help with testing efforts.
We hope it is not too little, too late.