Obviously, the Coronavirus pandemic has effected us in more ways than we could ever imagine. What started as a virus in China, has now severely impacted Italy and the United States, where there are now more cases than any other country had and will have. As a college student, our semester has now been moved to online classes, this is the same for the majority of schools across the country. Sports seasons have come to a premature end, restaurants have moved to drive thru and delivery options only, and graduating seniors in college and high school face an unknown question of if they will be able to walk across the stage for their graduation, something they have been waiting for their whole life.
During this time, it is extremely important that we follow the regulations and restrictions that our government and local authorities are placing in order to "flatten the curve". This expression is referring to the severity of the disease. For example, A large number of people becoming ill with COVID-19 over a short period of time is reflected in a tall, narrow curve. This type of curve could result in a shortage of hospital beds, equipment or doctors. On the other hand, a flatter, longer curve, represents the same number of patients presented to the hospital, but at a slower rate, increasing the likelihood of hospitals being adequately prepared.
While some companies have become increasingly busy, others are in need of business. For example, grocery stores have seen severe impacts from the epidemic. They cannot produce to the demand the customers are purchasing items.Toilet paper, bread, peanut butter, meat, and eggs are still scarce. Toilet paper has still not returned to shelves. Local restaurants on the other hand are having to let employees go, leading to an increase in the unemployment rate.
We are now seeing issues of young adults contracting and even dying of the virus. This is extremely scary because it is said to target the older generation of 60-years-old and above, or people with immune system diseases. The cause, the news says, is because medical facilities are turning away these young adults for no health insurance. Some of them had previously maintained health insurance as a benefit to their job, so if they were recently unemployed they no longer have health insurance.
The most frustrating part for me is seeing people, of all ages, still not practicing social distancing. They are putting the lives of others, as well as themselves, in danger. We can only hope that those of us who are following recommendations and staying healthy at home can make a great enough impact that the curve flattens.
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