Balancing health and economic prosperity is difficult in the age of COVID-19.

As the disease continues its physical onslaught around the world, the virus’s tentacles have impacted the economy, like no other crisis.

Managing the circumstances related to COVID-19 has divided some citizens and leaders into two camps: Those who want to follow advice from medical professionals and health policymakers who caution against resuming normal life too quickly and those who believe the economy has to be re-engaged now in order to stave off collapse.

The Southwest Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and Chamber SWLA endorses Louisiana Association of Business and Industry's  (LABI) plan to restart the state's economy in a responsible and safety-oriented manner. LABI worked with executives from the health care, manufacturing, automotive, banking, small business, and engineering industries, among others, and with peer business organizations and associations from around the state to develop this plan.