Melissa Samaroo
SOC218
May 19th
COVID-19
For almost three months now, the outbreak of COVID-19, also known as coronavirus,
has created a global health crisis and has had a huge impact on the way we all perceive our
everyday lives. This global pandemic has also changed our way of life from living to
“surviving.” It’s disappointing to say that we’ve had to adjust from being interactive to following
our global trend, social-distancing. It is required for us all to distance ourselves from other
people and in this case, at least six feet away. Along with wearing the proper Personal Protective
Equipment (PPE). Living through this pandemic has also led us to minimize contact with people
by avoiding public transportation, no social gatherings, reducing the number of public encounters
to our daily stores, and altering our routines. With the appearance of COVID-19 stores, schools,
and several businesses have closed and caused a major halt in our lives. Since we have no source
of vaccines or remedies by following the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control
(CDC), we lessen the chances of getting infected and reducing the spread of the virus, or
flattening the curve as they’d say. As far as learning and staying updated with everything that is
going on, social media has been a great way of gaining knowledge of big events that occur.
According to Logan Godfrey’s article, he mentions:
You’ve seen pretty much everything in terms of the coronavirus over the last few days to
weeks. The number of people being affected by the illness in states, counties, and specific
cities and towns come to mind. This news has made people aware of how the situation
has been constantly deteriorating the sense of normalcy across the nation. Social media
has also educated us about the symptoms of COVID-19–in turn, perhaps saving lives!”
(Godfrey, 2020).
The good thing about social media is that information spreads quickly to alert everyone about
current events, like in this scenario. It provides us with matters of the subject that could be very
important or that may misinform us. COVID-19 has grown into a worldwide pandemic affecting
us negatively in a mass amount of ways. This matter is to be taken seriously by adjusting to and
following all the precautions that we need in order to stay safe and get back to a normal lifestyle.
Due to this global pandemic, there have been many changes around the world. We were
pushed to make mandatory changes to adapt to a new safer lifestyle to keep ourselves and our
families healthy due to the upward spiral of COVID cases daily. Limiting close contact with
others outside of your home is the best way to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This act, as
mentioned, is called social distancing. To do this you must stay at least six feet away from
others, stay away from crowded places, and avoid mass gatherings. They’ve limited the number
of people in social gatherings to no more than ten people. Since individuals can spread the virus
before they know they are sick, it is vital to remain absent from others when possible, indeed in
the event that you or they have no symptoms. According to the article, “Social Distancing,
Quarantine, and Isolation” it says:
Although the risk of severe illness may be different for everyone, anyone can get and
spread COVID-19. Everyone has a role to play in slowing the spread and protecting
themselves, their family, and their community (“Social Distancing, Quarantine, and
Isolation,” 2020)
It is important that we take precautions. Whilst pharmacies and other local stores remain open,
they've adjusted their own policies to maintain a healthy environment by following new social
instructions. They’ve asked people to keep at least a six feet distance, minimal, between them, as
well as to wear masks and gloves when around others or entering high traffic locations. Also to
maintain and keep proper hygiene which has always been a priority in our lives. Majority of
nonessential businesses have closed down such as bars, malls, nail and hair salons, etc. in order
to limit the chance of being infected. To keep food businesses running, some restaurants are
offering takeout, delivery, and curbside pickup. Groceries and other stores remain open as
essential resources so that people can get all the food and necessities that they need during this
time. Many individuals have been laid off which has made it difficult for them to maintain a
home financially. Others have been adapting to working from home, while doing housework and
providing. While being at home the majority of the time, social media has been a go-to “coffee
break.” Some who barely use social media, or do not even care for it, have been using it more
than often due to the lack of activities to do while being quarantined. All public and private
schools/colleges have also been closed until further notice. Online classes have been necessitated
in order to keep the flow of education and normalize schoolwork. In the event, if this outbreak
taught us anything, it’s that our life isn't economical-based for our world. We all had to explore
with computerized solutions, whether it be virtual meetings for work, online-learning education
for students, and virtual occasions rather than individual conferences or in-person gatherings.
COVID-19 has caused many different issues worldwide. It is causing a sense of moral
panic, “a widespread fear, most often an irrational one, that someone or something is a threat to
the values, safety, and interests of a community or society at large,” to the point where it is
impacting interactions and hindering our community (Crossman, 2020). Just by not being able to
know who has the virus causes this moral panic, much less the issues that come with COVID-19.
When the outbreak of the virus first took place, people went into a panic as businesses started
closing. As people bought substantial amounts of items, shelves started getting empty and the
items scarce. This has caused disruptions in stores, such as fighting with other customers over
certain items or products, disrespecting workers, etc. As word of this spreads through the news
and social media platforms, people feel the need to panic now more than ever because they see
other people doing so. Fake news can not only cause panic and spread misinformation, but it can
also bring about discrimination. As we all know COVID-19 originated in China and has
developed rapidly across the world. Due to our knowledge of the virus’s origination, hate crime
rates have increased; “such as when a 51-year-old Asian American woman was attacked while
taking a city bus in the Bronx” (Wright, 2020). Discrimination can happen to anyone, and in the
future, this content of fake news can lead to bullying, assault crimes, et. While impacting social
relations, COVID-19 also affected our environmental well-being. Typically, refrigerated trucks
are being used to store corpses due to the overflow of corpses at morgues and funeral homes. The
refrigerated trucks help to contain smells and slow deterioration. If corpses are not contained in
the right manner, it leads to more investigations and attention than necessary. In Brooklyn, NY
“Neighbors also had reported a foul smell emanating from the trucks” (Dienst et al., 2020). A
funeral homeowner had used about four U-Haul trucks to store corpses in, along with bags of ice
hoping to contain them properly. This hazard was first noticed because of the bags of ice melting
and leaking out of the trucks. This incident not only causes a hazardous atmosphere, but it also
creates a traumatized community because it took place on a well-known roadway. Not only are
people worried about the usage of the trucks, but they are going to be worried about how well
these trucks are going to be cleaned before hauling food products in them again. Currently, these
freezer trucks are being made able to use again once they are cleaned and disinfected; “After
being cleaned, these surfaces should be disinfected to reduce the risks associated with SARS
CoV-2 virus and foodborne pathogens. Appropriate Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)registered disinfectants...should be used to accomplish both goals” (FDA, 2020). This gives us,
the people, a sense of clarity that these freezer trucks that haul our food products will be cleaned
thoroughly.
Recovering will take a great deal of cooperation and patience. Returning to “normal”
conditions and customs will take some time. The life we experienced before this global
pandemic is significantly different from the one we currently have and will have after this
outbreak. According to the article, When And How Will COVID-19 End? it mentions:
Given the nature of COVID-19’s transmission, people around the world will take time to
readjust to working as a “global community.” We will have doubts about traveling,
commuting, and even working next to each other. We’re already seeing symptoms of
social anxiety and agoraphobia exacerbate due to the pandemic. It will take time to trust
the world and its functioning (“When And How Will COVID-19 End?”, 2020).
When the outbreak starts to fade, people will most likely enter a state of paranoia, and will not
want to come across any risk by going back to work, or any other close interactions right away.
As the coronavirus continues to spread worldwide, “an emotional pandemic is following fast in
its wake” (Kluger, 2020). Automatically, people will emotionally be drawn to meeting up with
friends and family because as of today people may feel disconnected socially. Not everyone will
be affected by the pandemic, but a number will be, especially those with existing disorders such
as “obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder,
agoraphobia, acute stress disorder, and separation anxiety disorder” (Kluger, 2020). COVID-19
and these disorders aren’t a good mix because it can only make people’s situations worse and get
the best of them. During this time, some people will feel emotionally unstable, especially due to
the fact of not being able to be around others. Going about our day will not be as free or
enjoyable as it once was; we'll think twice before going somewhere or meeting somebody. For
the upcoming months, social distancing will most likely continue to be a part of our everyday
routines. Once businesses get the “okay” to open up again, some owners may not want to do so
immediately. They will do it at their own pace but, will they get revenue? Due to people still
taking precautions while businesses open up, business transactions will still be uneasy. Some
will fear going outside while others would not hesitate to, as our health is still a major concern.
Once we're allowed to step beyond the boundaries of our homes, people will be thrilled to go
outside and do everything we were once able to, that they will not be thinking about all the safety
precautions that will still remain in order. Due to that, it may cause an increase in cases since the
world is still unvaccinated and not everyone will have the proper antibodies to fight off the virus,
if infected. This could potentially cause a second wave of COVID-19 to hit, and if not easier then
worse than this time around.
On the other hand, this global pandemic has impacted our lives positively in a few ways.
With COVID-19 and lockdown orders in effect, it has been decreasing travel and has had a great
deal of influence on individuals remaining closer to home. Street crimes like assault and burglary
are down altogether due to less interactivity. Economic movements in the world have reduced
and the importance of money, monetary services and being capable to work have been valued
more. The biosphere has been able to heal because of fewer vehicles being active, which means
there are fewer pollutants in the air. Being that less vehicles are on the road, this allows essential
workers to get to where they are needed in a timely and flowing manner. As far as wildlife,
people have realized what it’s like to be isolated, meaning that humans now know and feel how
animals at zoos, aquariums, etc. feel. Animals have always been locked up in cages or in the
house for the majority of their lives, being controlled and manipulated without being able to get a
say in how they live their own life. With schools closed and parents working from home, many
families have been quarantined together. Before COVID-19, people disregarded the personal
space of others. Now that social distancing is in full effect, we are mindful of the actions
required, because now we are aware of how close someone is to us. Most people have been so
busy living the “life” and worrying about maintaining finances, whilst keeping their homes
together, that many have lost those real and genuine moments with their loved ones. From busy
schedules and running around trying to make ends meet, some relations may have also been
hindered dearly. Quarantine allows us to mend these relations and gives us the opportunity to
prioritize the people in our daily lives.
According to the article, Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation it says:
It is very important to stay in touch with friends and family that don’t live in your home.
Call, video chat, or stay connected using social media. Everyone reacts differently to
stressful situations and having to socially distance yourself from someone you love can
be difficult (“Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation,” 2020).
Since life has slowed down a little, this gives us the chance to spend more quality time with one
another and reconnect. The way we view life after this will be completely different. People will
be doing more by staying active and being less focused around all platforms of social media. The
precautions we take now like washing our hands thoroughly, sanitizing, cleaning and disinfecting
will have a great effect on society afterwards; it sways us into a habit of practicing better
hygiene. Being cautious of our hygiene during this time makes people more aware of how
important it is to keep clean. This no longer remains a good habit but it has become a skill that is
necessary to survive.
COVID-19 has been a revolving global health crisis and has had a huge impact on the
way we all perceive our everyday lives. It has affected us in every little aspect, even the ones we
do not think to think about daily. This virus hits like the common cold but leaves a trail of sorrow
and corpse like a pack of wolves. COVID-19 has grown into a worldwide pandemic affecting us
negatively in a mass amount of ways. Trying to adapt to a new and safer lifestyle, we’ve had to
make sacrifices as well as learn new things. Whether it be the little things at home, or more
operative actions, we have all learned something new, or polished our skills. Waking up
everyday with society's issues and effects, due to the virus, has impacted us habitually and
socially, which has been difficult to cope with. This has taught us moral conduct and how to go
about handling certain situations. We have yet to know what it will be like, exactly, when the
virus fades. However, we do know to simply continue to follow the precautions to avoid future
complications. Once we follow what is told to be done and do everything we can to be safe,
things will slowly go back to “normal.” It may take days, weeks, or even months, but this is how
we will be able to depict our advances. We’ve all had to write, or simply talk, about a tragic
event that has occurred in history. Just like the Holocaust or 9/11, one day to come, we will
educate and converse about this worldwide event, because it has affected every single one of us
in a different way. This time will be different because of all the advanced technology we have to
have captured almost every single moment and aspect of this virus. Overall, “the COVID-19
saga will come to an end without a doubt. We will get back to our lives and visit the great
outdoors. But that life will be significantly different. Moreover, reaching that point will depend
on our current actions. We must respect social distancing measures and reduce the spread of the
disease. Only then will we experience the post-pandemic world” (Life after COVID-19, 2020).
COVID-19 has been a spontaneous learning experience and will always be something to look
back at.
References
Crossman, Ashley. (2020, February 11). A Sociological Understanding of Moral Panic.
Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/moral-panic-3026420
Dienst, J., Siegal, I., & Shea, T. (2020, April 30). Dozens of Bodies Found in U-Haul Trucks
Outside Brooklyn Funeral Home. Retrieved from
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/dozens-of-bodies-found-in-u-haul-trucksoutside-brooklyn-funeral-home/2395703/
FDA (2020, May). Returning Refrigerated Transport Vehicles and Refrigerated Storage Units to
Food Uses After Using Them to Preserve Human Remains During the COVID-19
Pandemic https://www.fda.gov/media/137964/download
Godfrey, L. (2020, March 27). Social Media's Role in the Coronavirus Pandemic. Retrieved from
https://www.business2community.com/social-media/social-medias-role-in-thecoronavirus-pandemic-02296280
Kienapple, B. (2020, April 22). Coronavirus's Impact on the Environment [Infographic].
Retrieved from https://venngage.com/blog/coronavirus-impact-on-environmentinfographic/
Kluger, J. (2020, March 26). The Coronavirus Pandemic May Be Causing an Anxiety Pandemic.
Retrieved from https://time.com/5808278/coronavirus-anxiety/
Life after COVID-19: What Will Change? (2020, May 6). Retrieved from
https://medicalfuturist.com/life-after-covid-19-what-will-change/
Social Distancing, Quarantine, and Isolation. (2020, May 6). Retrieved from
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/prevent-getting-sick/social-distancing.html
When And How Will COVID-19 End? (2020, May 6). Retrieved from
https://medicalfuturist.com/when-and-how-will-covid-19-end/#
Wright, C. L. (2020, April 30). COVID-19 Fake News and Its Impact on Consumers. Retrieved
from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/everyday-media/202004/covid-19-fakenews-and-its-impact-consumers