Fleeing Denmark in Light of COVID-19

Well here I am. It’s 9am and I’ve decided to fly back to the US today. I just bought groceries yesterday and fancy salt so I guess I’d better finish it all before I have to leave at 1pm. Can’t waste the wine either.

I don’t really know what I’m going to do when I arrive in New York. I don’t have a set place to stay as of yet, although I do have options. I don’t have a ride back to … wherever I go. And maybe just a little tipsy.

But when emergencies arise, you need to make a quick decision. And based on how quickly panic has spread about the onset of this virus, I know that if I don’t decide something now, I may not have the option tomorrow.

I’m grateful for the friends that I’ve made, not just in the US, but also internationally during my time traveling. The amount of people who opened their homes to me, even those I haven’t talked to in quite some time, or checked in to make sure I am okay, has made me feel like I will have a home anywhere I go.

I’m packing my bag right now, unsure of what will happen tomorrow. I don’t even know if my flight will be able to leave the airport. The uncertainty is killing me.

But I also think about the fact that however scary this virus may be, we are experiencing a very important time in history. The way our world chooses to handle this crisis may dictate how our future may look.

If this virus spreads at this same rate indeifinitely, our hospitals will begin to reach full capacity. Who will our healthcare systems prioritize? I’m sure it won’t be poor or older people.

Many sources are saying the best way to handle the situation and stop it from spreading is to stay at home. Many people cannot go to work and are forced to either take time off or work remotely. What happens to people who cannot afford to stay at home? What if they cannot eat because they cannot afford food? How long will we need to isolate ourselves?

Well, I better finish up packing before I need to leave (and eat all my remaining food). I’ll probably write more as the story unfolds.