Never in our history have we seen fear on display like we are seeing now, as the coronavirus invades our lives at every turn, and to a greater extent than anyone could have imagined. If we’d been told a year ago what was to come, none of us would have believed that our future would need to be completely reimagined, or that our lifestyles would be forced to change to protect ourselves and our families.
On Monday, I was staggered by the COVID-19 statistics in the U.S. — and of course they’ll be worse by the time you read this. We’ve had 1.19 million confirmed cases of COVID-19, with fewer than 200,000 recovered. As of Monday evening, there have been 68,672 deaths, which is more Americans than were lost in the Vietnam War. Since the new millennium dawned, we’ve experienced fear caused by the horrific attacks on 9/11; the fear and anger of the wars that ensued in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places around the world. We’ve dealt with the fear and uncertainty caused by the Great Recession, when too many Americans lost their homes and savings.
Still, nothing has affected our nation like the coronavirus.
Not only do we have vital concern for our physical health — our nation’s economic health is failing too. The New York Times has reported that a steep decline in the world’s largest economies may have already begun, calling this the “new reality.” Real estate markets are bracing themselves and reflect more fear than even during the recession of 2008. The Los Angeles Times reports that 30 percent of Americans — about 15 million people — could default on their home loans if the U.S. economy remains closed through the summer. And CNN has reported the unemployment rate in April at 16.1 percent, the highest since 1939.
We understand that to somehow slow the spiraling economy, our nation has to reopen. We have to find ways to get our nation back on its feet.
How many ways will our lives change?
Until a vaccine is found, there is really just one way to slow this virus, which in turn allows businesses to reopen and our economy to regain a foothold: prevention!
Because of COVID-19’s incubation period — the time before symptoms are noticeable, which ranges from two to 14 days — research shows that to avoid and prevent the spread of the virus, we have to continue social distancing. Social distancing protocols, wearing masks in public arenas and washing our hands thoroughly and frequently are not only musts now, but also will continue to be essential going forward. Similarly, becoming efficient in sanitization and other health-based protocols will become a priority. One poll shows that 31 percent of Americans won’t shake hands even after the COVID-19 threat has passed, and while 25 percent are still open to the elbow bump, the majority think a wave or a nod will suffice.
Most of our shopping will likely be online — as indicated even now by the 49 percent uptick in online sales. The downside is that things may get worse before they get better, and due to the great increase of online shopping and the fear of leaving our homes, many businesses will close, leaving many out of work and in dire straits financially. But the overall hope is that as we adjust to health and hygiene protocols, the financial fog will lift.
What else could lie in store?
We can expect that more gatherings — such as high school and college graduations — will have to continue to be viewed digitally. For loved ones’ birthdays and other special occasions, perhaps we can only drive by, wave and hold up signs, sending gifts by mail, like many are doing even now. In addition to the social distancing and sanitizing protocols already in place, more may be required as we move forward to avoid another resurgence of the virus — a resurgence we cannot afford.
Some countries have already introduced protocols exceeding those we’ve seen here in the U.S. According to The New York Times, residents of Sydney, Australia, can host only two visitors at a time in their homes. Some governments are requiring masks on trains and buses and advising the public to avoid face-to-face interactions at work. There are mandatory temperature checks outside of restaurants, malls and schools, and student cafeterias have plastic partitions. It would not be surprising if the U.S. were to follow implement similar protocols. Are we ready to do our part?
If we all work together, maybe we can work through this difficult time, this reimagined life in prevention of coronavirus.
Bill Freeman
Bill Freeman is the owner of FW Publishing, the publishing company that produces the Nashville Scene, Nfocus, the Nashville Post and Home Page Media Group in Williamson County.
