Three months into the new year, and we are already scrambling to hit the reset button. Just as our hearts were recuperating from the loss of a Los Angeles legend, the world seems to have gone up in flames with the rise of a new flu-like illness commonly known as the coronavirus. When it began, some of us scoffed at the idea that a sickness from the other side of the world could make an impact on our daily lives, but here we are. A few days into the “social distancing” measures and some of us are already suffering from cabin fever.
There are those who take this matter lightly. Whether it be an immature display of machismo or an educated decision to hit the streets and go about casual bar visits, some people aren’t letting the corona hype phase their daily life. We’re learning which of our peers are willing to enact changes to their daily life to be a good neighbor and which of us simply do not care about the troubles of others.
I’ll admit that when the talks about the virus began, I didn’t pay much attention to how severe the consequences could be. When I did my “google research,” it seemed to me that the recovery rate highly outweighed the mortality rate, and so, there was no need for fear. I still don’t think panic to be the best reaction. I think that the quality of life that we’re blessed with in the United States blinds us to the advantages we have over the rest of the world. Oftentimes, people complain about luxuries that our neighbors in the Americas can even fathom to have. Whether it be our communication avenues or our emergency evacuation measures; our society is heavily structured to overcome trouble in the event of a disaster. The United States is taking the necessary precautions in order to contain the virus as much as possible. It’s been stated that European doctors in countries such as Portugal, Spain, and Italy recommended government imposed “self-quarantine” policies long before the corona pandemic took the hold that it now has on these nations. So, now Mayor Garcetti has suggested the closure of bars, restaurants and gyms and I find that a necessary inconvenience. The fact of the matter is that we need our local representatives to step up and lead. Initially, we could not contain the virus on the various incoming cruise ships and flights from affected parts of the world. We’re seeing the consequences of that now. However, Garcetti speaking up against public gatherings at a time when we are still able to call for these preventative measures is important. That’s a brave decision on his part because it’s not a popular dialogue to have, but I do find it necessary at a time like this.
I observed as people took to the stores and warehouses and cleaned out isles of toilet paper and water. To this day, that motion doesn’t seem like the right move to make. We have to display courage in troubling times. Courage in the form of rationing responsibly and being a good neighbor to the elders in our community. Yes, we are realizing the severity of a situation that has proven to be lethal to a susceptible fraction of our social circles, but we cannot let ourselves get swept in the momentum of the panic movement.
I can’t say I’m disturbed too much by all the hysteria; it’s just a mild sense of disappointment that so many people are barely tuning in to practicing good hygiene. I’m almost laughing as I say this, but I’m still serious when I admit that I’m a little grossed out that this hygiene game is news to some of you. Washing your hands, using a paper towel or your sleeve to open public doorways, and sanitizing consistently should already be part of your daily life. Moreover, coughing and sneezing inside your shirt should already be what you’re practicing in order to not “spray” those germs everywhere. It’s not just a Corona Virus preventative measure, it’s a germ spread prevention tactic that you should know from kindergarten.
Nonetheless, we’re still at a critical point in our history in terms of setting precedent for how we resolve virus pandemics in America. We have to utilize our intelligence and rationality when we go grocery shopping. We have to display grace and composure when we’re lining up and conversing with our neighbors. It’s a pretty serious matter now, even if we’re not susceptible to the tragic outcome of the virus, because we are still putting the lives of others at risk. Just be responsible and adhere to the social distancing imperative. It’s practices like this that are going to quell this frenzy sooner rather than later and we will all be able to get back to our normal lives. Buy a hand sanitizer for your car, one for your backpack, and wash your damn hands!
SEA 