As we face a National State of Emergency, it feels like we are living in a dystopian novel.
The Coronavirus aka the COVID-19 Virus is finally hitting the United States after rampaging the rest of the world for the past few weeks. As we face a National State of Emergency it feels like we are living in a dystopian novel, and some family and friends’ reactions don’t bode well if we were in an actual dystopia.
Some people are comparing the disease to another in Dean Koontz’s 1981 novel The Eyes of Darkness. In this book, the disease was manmade with a one hundred percent mortality rate that started in China. While the Coronavirus also started in China, Dean Koontz did not predict our current situation, it does not have a one hundred percent mortality rate and no one
It’s just not a good idea to be reading a dystopian novel right now. There will be some obvious parallels and may cause readers to panic, especially if the book has an infectious disease much like The Eyes of Darkness. Now is not the time to panic. It’s important to be well informed about the Coronavirus and to stay updated to best prepare yourself and loved ones. While there’s a lot of information to go over, let’s handle some of the bigger topics we’ve been hearing when people mention the virus.
“It’s Not A Big Deal It’s Like The Flu, Right?”
Actually, we have vaccines and tests for the flu, while Coronavirus tests are not readily available for the public. Heidi Klum could barely get one, so if the wealthy, privileged, celebrities are struggling to get tested it will be nearly impossible for a second-grade teacher to get one. We’ve had decades to monitor and research the flu, this disease is brand new, so the vaccine is still in early development.
“It Won’t Affect Or Kill Me Because I’m Young”
Being young does not mean that we only care about ourselves and not the people around us. Much like other diseases, those who are younger are unlikely to die because of it. However, it is fatal to those who are older and those with autoimmune diseases, testing is not readily available so anyone could be an unknown carrier of the disease spreading it to their loved ones.
Regardless of who gets the disease, it is changing our way of life. When was the last time you heard of a National State of Emergency? the stock market has gone significantly down, our health care system is not equipped to deal with a massive outbreak of diseases.
Italy is ten days ahead of us when it comes to this disease yet their hospitals are overrun. They are calling up retired nurses and those who are nearly finished with their degrees to come in and help. They are having to pick and choose who gets life-saving treatment and who doesn’t, because they do not have the resources. If anything, this disease will affect those who are young more because we will be the ones who have to pick up the pieces.
Social Distancing
It may seem like an ideal time to go out or be with friends since work and schools are now done from home, but it isn’t. Social distancing is key during this trying time to prevent our health care system from being overwhelmed. We do not want our hospitals to be overfilled and we want to make sure there is care available to those who need it. Therefore, even if you are young and healthy, think the people around you and stay home to prevent this disease from spreading. It’s like recycling. Will one recycled bottle of water save the planet? No, but if everyone does then we reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions. If we work together, we can make an impact.
Ways To Be Extroverted
Here are a few ideas on how to be social when social distancing: Play video games online with friends, Skype/Facetime, watch a movie with friends using Discord, have a family game night (as long as you have a small family and the game isn’t Twister), call a friend.
*If you absolutely have to go out for groceries or medication try and stay at least six feet apart from others.
Tips
Don’t Be Racist: Many Americans around the world are blaming the Chinese and taking their anger out on fellow Asian Americans especially Chinese Americans for this disease.
Wash Your Hands: Frequently and thoroughly for at least twenty seconds. Remember when your parents taught you how to wash your hands by singing ABC’s or “Happy Birthday” meanwhile they splashed water on their hands and called it a day? Well, it’s time to do it again.
Clean Your Phones: Constantly disinfect devices and objects that are frequently touched such as laptop keyboards, doorknobs, light switches, sinks, toilets, tv remotes, refrigerators, etc.
Only Wear Masks If You Are Sick: Do not hoard masks. By hoarding masks, you are taking masks away from people who truly need it like health care professionals, those with autoimmune diseases, respiratory diseases, and those that are sick.
Social Distancing: Yes, this will be hard for extroverts, but if you’d like to get back to your weekly bar crawl the best way is to limit the spreading of this disease as much as possible. During this time, we must all do our part.
Have Nonperishable Items: Be prepared for two weeks to thirty days of nonperishable food items, pet food, flu/cold medicine, and cleaning products. Grocery stores are already running out of these items. In order to practice social distancing, it’s best to limit the number of grocery runs. However, don’t overdo it, others need to buy food as well.
Stay Informed and Discuss it With Others: It is alarming how nonchalant some people are being about this disease. Have an open conversation with your friends and family about it and stay updated. A ton of misinformation is being spread around even by the president of the United States. Make sure to be looking at reliable resources. Remember how teachers said you need at least three sources for your research paper? Well, the same thing is true when it comes to the Coronavirus.
CREDITS :thethings.com
