by Mckenzi Schultz-Apps, Staff Writer
The following story was written by a student on the staff of The Jaguar Times as part of Hilliard Bradley High School’s Journalism Production course.
The world as we know it is completely upside down right now. March 13th was, in some cases, the last day of school for all students, staff, and teachers. Coronavirus has taken over the county and enabled a state by state lockdown. If you’re being responsible and safe, you’ve been quarantined for over a month now. Being isolated to your own home with the same people is exhausting, and wanting to go out to relieve your boredom is a given. But with everything being shut down, going out to kill some time isn't an option. Therefore, people turn to their significant others and close friends for distractions, but even hanging out isnt a option unless you maintain a six feet distance.
Thousands of people are violating the strict rule of maintaining the mandatory quarantine and going out without the appropriate protection and hanging out with people, which risks everyone's health and wellbeing. Many people don’t understand why the social distancing measures are so important and effective. I interviewed three Bradley students to ask for their opinion about social distancing.
What do you think about social distancing?
“I don't like not being able to hang out with my friends, but I know it’s important to slow down the virus. The coronavirus has taken away my graduation ceremony and my last track season.” David Metzler (12)
Do you think social distancing is effective?
“Yes, compared to other states that got the first case when we did, they have higher cases then we have as of now.” David Metzler (12)
What do you think about social distancing?
“Social distancing is definitely harder than I thought it was going to be. But in reality, before social distancing I was always around people. Whether it’s in the grocery store, riding my bike, or walking my dog around the park I'm always around people.” Molly Starinsky (12)
“Do you think social distancing is effective?”
“I think that social distancing is very effective. I feel like once the governor made that a rule the virus has gone down. As difficult as it is to social distance, I feel like we have to keep social distance and stay clean.” Molly Starinsky (12)
What do you think about social distancing?
“I think social distancing is a good way to minimize the spread of this virus. I'm not a huge fan of being quarantined but if it's too keep people safe then i'll do it. It's taken some getting used to.” Kayla Rocchio (12)
“Do you think social distancing is effective?”
“I think social distancing is effective. Keeping people in their homes and out of crowds keeps the virus from spreading as fast as it was. I'm not an expert or anything but I think in the long run it's going to be effective.” Kayla Rocchio (12)
The Houston Methodist Leading Medicine article posted on March 15th, 2020 had some very valid and informative information. Katie McCallum writes “Preventive measures like social distancing help protect vulnerable people from developing more serious illness.” If everyone doesn't follow this, it becomes pointless for the people who are doing it. She includes a small list of the do’s and don'ts of social distancing. “Do avoid close contact and large crowds, don’t greet people with a handshake or hug and don't dismiss it since you think it sounds unreasonable.”
McCallum lays out the facts and says how it is. Here she answers that “one of the primary benefits of social distancing, if put into action early enough during an outbreak, is the effect it has on the "epidemic curve" — namely, its ability to flatten it.” and "Flattening the curve" reduces the number of cases occurring at any one time. This helps ensure that hospitals have the supplies and resources needed to provide those with severe illness the effective care they need.
The idea of social distancing might alarm you and seem dramatic, but the positive effects it has are astronomical. If everyone follows the rule to stay inside and stay six feet apart with the appropriate protective equipment on, then the pandemic will end faster. Not being able to go out and enjoy the amenities we used to have with the people you love is devastating, but everything will be back to normal if people start taking this seriously.