Pandemic

Okay COVID-19, you have my attention.

Until today, I’ve been in denial a bit that this coronavirus will be as bad as some predict. Now, with everything shutting down and events being cancelled, I realize that we have to take it seriously. It’s easy to think “I’m not going to get it” and go about my routine as usual (with extra hand-washing and avoiding touching things) but, with a 14 day incubation period, it’s hard to know who I’ve passed that may already be infected.

It’s hard to see coworkers devastated that the special trip they have been planning for years will no longer happen. I’ve had several of my plans cancelled already and will likely not get to take a trip with my exchange student over spring break. My trip to Australia and New Zealand that I’ve been planning with students for a year and a half may be no more, too.

I have to put things into perspective, though. The fact that the largest impact this situation has had on me is to cancel a trip and force me to work from home speaks to how lucky I am to live when and where I do. So many students are worried about how they will get lunch now that school is cancelled. Parents are scrambling to find care for their children while trying to still work so that they can afford their rent.

I don’t know when or how this ends. I hope it’s sooner than later. It is certainly reminding me to not take things for granted.