The Effect of Fear during a Pandemic

Weeks after the World Health Organization declared COVID-19, or the coronavirus a pandemic, almost every country around the world shut down completely. Only those who need to go out are allowed to do so, such as getting groceries or leaving for work, but even then, the fear of obtaining the virus remains high.

While it is not as frightening as the plague or the Ebola virus, the coronavirus is still very dangerous, in its attack of the sick and elderly all while silently spreading through the young.

As mentioned before, countries around the world are shutting down everything in order to stop the spread of the virus, and while the national governments can only place so much bans on where people can go and what time they can do so, it is down to the local government and the people themselves to make a difference.

As I stay at my home on Long Island in quarantine, I notice around me the extreme measures being taken to protect the community, but also the selfish and careless acts of those not paying mind to the severity of the issue.

For starters, all school districts have been closed and moved to online classes until further notice, but based on the increasing number of confirmed cases in my area, it seems that online classes will remain until the end of the school year. Given Governor Cuomo's orders demanding gatherings of 50 or more for the time, and the fact that middle schoolers aren't known for consistently washing their hands, this was a smart and needed call made by county executives.

But considering the shocking number of cases there is now on the island, was that call to cancel in-person classes too late? This late decision mimics that of the Trump administration's actions during this crisis.

This is where the careless part comes in.

It was very shocking to hear President Trump refer to COVID-19 as the "Chinese Virus," because last time I checked, I did not know that a virus strain can be ethnically identified! Besides his xenophobia, there was also the issue of Trump not taking real action and downplaying the severity of the virus before it was too late. And just recently, he stated that he wanted the shutdown to be over before Easter... because that is clearly the best for the people's health and safety.

The stimulus bill is also a poor response made by the government to the virus. The overall idea is good, keeping in mind that there is the fear that a second great depression could occur, but its execution is just poor. Not all who need the money will be receiving it, such as undocumented, tax paying immigrants and a majority of college students in the United States. And then there is also just the stupidity of giving trillions of dollars to Wall Street rather than the small businesses and people that drive the economy.

But of course, give a mere $1200 where rent is often more than twice that price.

As mentioned before, the careless acts are not just committed by the national government. The American people are also at fault for its high number of cases.

On Long Island alone, there are more than 4,500 confirmed cases of the coronavirus, causing mayhem in hospitals, such as Good Samaritan Hospital. And it just so happens, that my mother works as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) at that hospital, more specifically, in the unit where all COVID-19 patients are being treated.

Now why are the people responsible? It is for the simple fact that no one was and still, are not taking the virus as a serious threat to public health. While a good majority are practicing self-quarantine and social distancing, I still see others on social media hanging out with each other, ignoring the fact that they could be spreading the virus despite not showing symptoms.

Take the beloved spring break, for example. A popular destination for college students in their week of freedom was Miami, Florida. The sun, the slight breeze, the bars and restaurants...what's not to love.

Well as it turns out, Florida has just surpassed 4,000 cases. I can guarantee part of the reason was for college kids caring more about drinking mojitos on a crowded beach rather than protecting their health and the health of others. This is happening all over the country. And as it appears, this problem is only in the United States.

China, the origin of the coronavirus, is already returning back to its daily routine because the government and its people have practiced social distancing, and their health care system tended to its people quickly and efficiently. But here in the United States, where even the President cannot come to grasp with the severity of the issue, the virus is taking a heavier toll than what it should have.

What is happening now in the United States is terrifying. I have heard several call it the apocalypse, and for good reason. You have people fighting for toilet paper, and even large lines forming outside of gun shops.

People are afraid. I am afraid.

But there has to come the time where people must stop and realize if the actions of all are needed or not. We have health care employees risking their lives to save others, yet if no one can do what is needed of them, government and constituents combined, then this virus will continue to infect thousands more.

It is heartbreaking to see many lose out on opportunities that will never come again. But if they want their lives to be back to normal, then sacrifices must be made to save lives beyond our own.