The Corona Virus is Not a Joke

All anyone can talk about these days is the Corona virus. Panic has touched nearly every part of our planet, and serious efforts have been made to contain the virus.

Some say that the media is overblowing it, which is understandable to think. I mean, when isn’t the media overblowing something to attract the attention of the masses? That’s precisely how the industry operates in order to generate the greatest profit possible.

How seriously should we take this? I can’t really say. But, personally, I feel alarmed by the rate at which the virus is spreading all over the world. I’m currently alone in a foreign country and have no idea how things will change in a couple of hours.

I woke up at 5am to find out that there is now a travel ban from Europe to the US. I can return, as a citizen, but I don’t know how these restrictions may change in a day or two. I don’t know if it’s safer to travel or stay in place. If each day is getting worse and governments are responding with travel bans, shutting down universities and schools, and encouraging people not to congregate in large groups, then this should be taken seriously.

It doesn’t really matter if the media is overblowing the situation because the media influences how both the citizens as well as the government view major world events. The government has the power to limit my movement and make decisions that I have no say in whatsoever.

Maybe American citizens won’t be able to return to the states tomorrow because the virus has spread so quickly. Maybe airlines will shut down to contain the chaos. Maybe Denmark will close their borders indefinitely and I will be here until this blows over.

Who’s to say? Reports have shown that this virus will spread to between 40 and 70 percent of the planet by the end of the year. What does this mean for our world? Will this be a memory of the past in a short few weeks, or is this just the beginning?

What will happen to the people who cannot afford to take time off of work? Will hospitals become overcrowded and only serve those who can afford medical treatment?

I know people like to laugh and make memes about this situation, claiming that it’s not a big deal, but just because something does not impact you directly does not mean the problem is irrelevant. Just because someone may be in a position where they can easily take time off, stay at home, and load up on groceries, does not mean everyone can.

Every couple of minutes, I check my email, anxious to hear the next update on the situation. What will happen? I guess we will only know in time.