COVID-19: The 2020 Pandemic
Editorial Board | April 8th, 2020 | Editorial
For many, the start of the decade was supposed to bring good fortune in new beginnings, but the recent coronavirus crisis has spoiled most plans. The new coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, began to wreak havoc in China in late December of last year. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the virus a pandemic, sending the world into panic. The unprecedented disease has brought unprecedented consequences, both good and bad, whose repercussions may be felt in decades to come.
Media
Many have felt overwhelmed with information regarding the spread of the virus and its respective effects, regarding the media’s coverage of the ever growing disease. Without the media’s coverage, though, the extent of the problem and the best measures to protect one’s self would not be as widespread as they are today. How the information is used is not the responsibility of journalists who risk their health to report; panic is a result of how individuals choose to react. Journalists work to spread information so that it is available to the public, and unfortunately, readers may choose to create chaos. Although journalists work tirelessly to ensure the knowledge being spread is accurate, part of that responsibility falls on the reader.
Socialization
Amusement parks, restaurants, coffee shops and other places of social interaction were restricted or closed in mid-March and all events classified as “gatherings of more than 10 people,” were canceled. Social distancing, while necessary, has transformed the culture of society. Despite the perfect weather, the once lively city of Jacksonville looks more like a ghost town. As a result, the economy is in shambles.Without customers , companies cannot afford to pay their workers and, for some, even the rent..
Another issue is the inescapable human instinct to point fingers at anyone who even looks to be a part of the problem. Increasing xenophobia and anti-Asian racism has been seen in many parts of the world. Recently, bystanders on a street in Sydney, Australia, refused to help a 60-year-old Asian man suffering from cardiac arrest because they feared he might have the coronavirus. Even President Donald Trump has repeatedly referred to the disease as the “Chinese virus.” While the coronavirus pandemic is something to be fearful of, we should not allow the world to lose its humanity.
Sports
Among all of the events canceled, for many, sports cancellations were the most disappointing. From the NCAA March Madness tournament to the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympics, sports organizations have canceled or postponed matches, tournaments, and entire seasons. Originally, the National Basketball Association (NBA) planned to continue its season without fans; however, after the irresponsible actions of Utah Jazz defensive player Rudy Gobert, the NBA suspended its season. Video footage was released of Gobert touching media equipment with apparent disregard for sanitary precautions, and he later tested positive for the coronavirus. Gobert’s actions were a reminder of how important it is to take these kinds of situations seriously. He put a large number of individuals at risk for infection, even though he never intended to, and this shows how to distance oneself from a situation that doesn't have a direct impact.
International Relations
One of the tactics being used to reduce the spread of the disease is to close off borders. International travel and commerce is at an all time low, and many countries are taking an enormous economic hit. This is especially true for many countries that rely on tourism as a large source of revenue.
Countries in Africa and Latin America are at a considerably higher risk than other, richer countries. According to the Associated Press, the West African nation of Mali has only one ventilator for every million people, and Peru has only 350 beds in intensive care with a population of over 32 million. The threat of the coronavirus to these nations is far more severe than anywhere else in the world, and their only form of protection is to restrict travel in and out of the country and hope for the best. The result of the pandemic could have an effect on international relations long after it is over.
Politics
Although it is easy to be selfish in emergency situations like these, it is often the case that groups that were once divided must come together for a solution. Politics is an example. COVID-19 has brought unprecedented bipartisan efficiency to Congress, most evident in the recent passing of the CARES Act by the Senate which allocates $1,200 to every citizen or $2,400 to every couple with a $500 bonus for each child the couple shares. The focus of politics has also changed, as the American people have been hearing more from Vice President Mike Pence due to his position heading the Coronavirus White House Commission. During this national crisis, the constituents voting in the upcoming election have much to consider.
Education
Many clamored on the internet, expressing how cancellations would affect events such as graduations and award ceremonies. They deserve to be upset, but one must look at all of the other flaws in the educational system that COVID-19 has put on display. As the long lines for district-provided laptops and hotspots at neighborhood schools demonstrated, the need for equity in education has never been fully addressed. It is acknowledged that Duval County Public Schools has attempted to alleviate the issue by providing free internet hotspots for students to use and hosting sales of school laptops that are no longer in use. However, it was not enough, and many students went without many of the tools that have now become integral to receiving an education. That is not to say that the district is solely responsible for this lack of equity in education. In the 2008-2009 school year, Florida’s state government had allocated close to $25 billion towards education, but after the 2008 economic recession, the education budget was quickly cut. In the 2019-2020 school year, the request was nearly $5 billion short of what it was only eleven years prior. The cuts in school funding have made it difficult to allocate funds to make the school experience equal for all students, regardless of their backgrounds. After the devastation of COVID-19, more funds will likely be taken from departments, including education, to allocate for public health.
Takeaway
The suggested form of action is simple: social distancing, sanitizing, and staying clean. As events are canceled and businesses closed, most of the population is adhering to the precautionary measures outlined by their governments. However, as fear grips the minds of many, some people are overreacting, adding to the chaos. One thing is for sure, the coronavirus pandemic has set a tone of uncertainty for all aspects of society.