By: Emelia Richling
Within the last few weeks, our lives have changed considerably. New challenges have arisen as our coveted two-ply toilet paper disappears from the shelves and quarantine restrictions are enforced upon us. As difficult as these measures are, it is important that we continue to follow them.
Going out with friends and leaving our houses for nonessential activities are luxuries that we will have to sacrifice in order to stay safe. Although there are exceptions to the quarantine measures, such as working or shopping, many students shouldn’t be leaving the house. In order to protect ourselves and others, it is essential that we understand how important staying at home really is.
However, sometimes the pressure of a situation can seem far away, distant and unlikely to pertain to us. Even though this situation is an awful reality, the nonchalant attitudes many people are demonstrating proves that we think this situation is too far away to bother us. Despite this mentality, this disease is hitting close to home, as awful as it is to have to say that.
A local article published by the Grand Island Independent on April 28 shows how our community’s response to COVID-19 is lacking in terms of people following the orders, wearing masks and staying home. Danny Lemos, a Grand Island man who had a successful fight with the disease, stresses the importance of following guidelines.
“I don’t know what it’s going to take for this town to realize that they have to quit going out,” Lemos said. “People need to stay home and stay inside and get this under control.”
Lemos isn’t the only person who is stressing the importance of staying at home. In order for the medical community to emphasize the importance of flattening the curve, the Mayo Clinic published an article on April 6, detailing how staying home is one of the most effective steps to protect yourself, those you care about and the stranger who is six feet away from you.
In the article, Dr. Nipunie Rajapkse, an infectious disease expert, stated that it is difficult to give a defined endpoint for when the restrictions will be lifted, but quarantining and other preventive measures are essential to contain the spread of the disease.
“The things we are asking people to do are not easy,” Rajapske states. “They are definitely disruptive, they’re definitely challenging, but they do have evidence to show that they work when implemented broadly, widely and followed by everyone.”
Until these measures are lifted, students need to stay home. Hanging out with friends is a luxury that we may have to give up but only temporarily. Sacrificing in the short term will make for a better long term. If people choose to properly follow the guidelines, they will be lifted sooner. Simply put, we have to stay home to stay safe.
However, for those who do have to leave their home for essential activities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provided helpful guidelines for leaving the house, including choosing to wear a mask and avoiding even small gatherings. They also discussed how to properly practice social distancing, advising people to stay “about 2 arms’ length” from other people.
Exchanging in-person contact for digital contact is difficult, staying home all day is not always fun and switching from two-ply toilet paper to one-ply is a challenge that we will have to undertake if we want to keep ourselves and others as safe as possible.
*Photo Obtained from KTIV Television
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