The United States is currently having the worst outbreak of COVID-19 out of any country. The CDC reported that as of April 1, the United States had 186,101 confirmed cases and had 3,603 virus-related deaths. Missouri had 1327 confirmed cases. By the next day, April 2, the number of confirmed U.S. cases jumped to 213,144, with 4,513 deaths, and globally, we surpassed 1 million confirmed cases.
In one week, the week of March 30, data from Johns Hopkins showed that Missouri alone saw an increase of 600 percent in total cases, which is currently the largest increase in the United States, reported the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.
It is necessary to understand that these numbers just represent confirmed cases. Many people have had and will get COVID-19 without showing symptoms or without getting tested and can easily spread it to others.
This is a pandemic, and many people are not taking this seriously enough, especially in the United States.
First, there are those who deny its significance. President Trump refuses to see how dangerous the current situation is and says he wants everything to go back to normal by Easter. A pastor in Florida was arrested for holding a church service with hundreds of people after defying orders to stay home.
“The World Health Organization has come in and is using a pandemic to take over not just America, but the whole of the world,” the pastor commented.
Second, there are those who are panicking, which is also not the appropriate response. Buying all the toilet paper you possibly can does not make you immune to the virus, nor does it help anyone else by hoarding everything for yourself.
It is normal to be anxious and uncertain during this time, but it is important to remember that everyone else is going through the same experience. Additionally, one mindset to have is that if you are social distancing at home, you can be thankful that you have the ability to be safe at home.
Third, some people have decided it’s okay if they get the virus, which again, is not a good approach.
This is one of the many reasons why it is imperative that people stay home and practice social distancing. Going to the store to buy groceries is considered an essential activity and is okay to do, but hanging out with your friends is not okay. By staying at home, you drastically reduce your chances of getting the virus and passing it on to someone else. While you yourself may not die from contracting the virus, you risk spreading it to those who have weakened immune systems or are elderly.
However, there are many people who are doing their part in all sorts of ways. Doctors, nurses, and all medical professionals are putting their lives on the line to help those infected by the virus. Additionally, many schools, churches and other organizations are providing meals to children who usually rely on schools to feed them. Teachers are adapting and continuing to teach children during this unprecedented time too. We also cannot forget all the selfless essential workers at grocery stores, banks and restaurants.
All of these people are doing their part, and we need to do our part by staying home. The sooner we get this virus under control, the sooner our lives can go back to normal.