This year has been a rough start. With COVID-19 raging at full force as a global health crisis, the world has slowed to a halt. Having seen the damage it caused in Wuhan, China, people are now scrambling to bar the overwhelming explosion of new infections across the world.
Chinese medical teams leaving to aid Wuhan in January CCTV Facebook
As of today, March 21, 2020, numbers have exceeded the expectations I once had in mind. When the outbreak first began, I was heartbroken to see the number of infections rising from the hundreds, to the thousands, and now to the tens of thousands. Death tolls were skyrocketing as if human lives were nothing but mere numbers. It seemed unreal. I never would have imagined that the videos circulating Weibo and Youtube of Wuhan citizens rebelling against the government, crying for medical help, and begging officers to let them flee to safety was just the tip of the iceberg.
Yet, even then, Americans seemed oblivious to the struggles that China was facing.Trump seemed adamant that the virus would remain in Asia. Out of all of my friends, I was the only one who seemed to care about the wellbeing of those people, constantly following the news and sharing stories and fundraisers that donated supplies to the people in Wuhan. And now, look at how the tables have turned.
Coronavirus has taken a firm grasp on the rest of the world, even right here on American soil.
With numbers exceeding 20000 and the peak nowhere in sight, America seemed to switch off overnight. The DOW dropping 3000 points in one day; people hoarding masks, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer; conferences, classes, and business trips cancelling until further notice. These instances are ones that I've only seen in movies, zombie apocalypses; however, it is now reality. And through these struggles, I have realized some of the most beautiful moments that we've experienced as a country. United in the struggle against this virus, we have cultivated a stronger bond that was absent before, masked under a veil of a hostile and polarized society.
And through these moments, I have never been more proud to be an American.
1. National Unity
One of the most impressive and touching moments that has come out of this pandemic is the cooperation of businesses and industries for the sake of the American people. Everyday, I have received numerous emails and notifications from some of my favorite stores, restaurants, and even cafes that have stepped forwards and are only allowing takeout orders to minimize social interactions. Even wifi companies like Xfinity have made their data connections free to aid students in their transition to online learning. Even smaller Atlanta computer businesses have begun to lend laptops for students who may not have access. These small yet powerful steps that businesses have been willing to take may sacrifice billions of dollars in profit, yet they continue to do so to play a role in the war against COVID-19, and this has become the first time I have seen this type of mutual understanding blossoming into a nation-wide movement.
2. International Cooperation
Screenshot of WSJ article of China sending medical supplies to ItalyWSJ
During the peak of Wuhan's outbreak, South Korea and many other countries sent medical supplies and over $5 million in funding to help soften the impact of the outbreak in China. Now, it's their turn. When South Korea began experiencing some of the same effect in Daegu, China sent out millions of masks and other medical supplies in return. Now as the outbreak has moved to Italy, China, Taiwan, and Korea have all sent over their medical teams to help reverse the damage that Italy has already suffered, with numbers over 40,000 infections. In the West, border restrictions between Canada, the US, and Mexico have indeed limited international travel, but have been imposed for the sake of international public health. These unprecedented movements show a new type of mutual alliance that takes a place outside of politics and trade, and this international force has helped the world bridge cultural, social, and economic animosities in order to fight the good fight— together.
3. Appreciation
Before governments began imposing "shelter-in-place" orders and mandatory curfews, I've always taken the freedom of movement and endless opportunities for different cuisine for granted. Additionally, with the stocks tumbling, mutual funds and other business revenues were wiped in a blink of an eye. Even my part time job as a tutor needed to be suspended. I can't even fathom the stress that thousands of others are facing right now on unexpected, unpaid leave. These moments, the freedom to ust put on my shoes, go out and eat with my friends, have all been put on hold until future notice, and as I sit in my room alone during this time of quarantine typing this article, I so wish that things could return to normal. Thus, this pandemic season has been a time of much-needed reflection, a wake-up call to understand that life can be ripped away... just like that.
4. The Value of Life
Strict enforcement of Coronavirus containmentCNN Facebook
Everyday, hundreds of elders and others with underlying medical conditions are dying from this virus. Whether it's in Italy, the US, Iran, or any other country, the lack of understanding for why social distancing and quarantine are crucial during this time is quite upsetting. To be honest, I also held that mentality when the outbreak first started. I was adamant that even if I were to be infected, I would be fine. But that is not the case. The problem is being infected and infecting others that may actually be at risk, someone like my grandmother, my great uncles and aunts. As more people begin to weigh the risks of staying in or going out, I have seen state governments issuing orders for more masks for those that need it, more protection for nursing homes and hospitals. Other times, officials are calling out young people hoarding supplies, saying that those need to be saved for those that actually need the extra protection. This value of life has always been a moral obligation, but seeing action towards protecting the older population in plain sight is touching to say the least, and it really has made me realize how precious and beautiful life is.
5. The People, as One
Streets of NYC after orders by CuomoHLN Facebook
My university was shut down for the rest of the semester, transitioning to distance learning and forcing people to move out of the dorms and return home. This type of order is seen across the country, some areas more strict than others. For example, Cuomo has ordered over 40 million New Yorkers to avoid non-essential travel and stay home. This decision came with a wave of upsetting news as businesses were forced to close and many suddenly signed up for unemployment, yet Cuomo clearly stated that he would take all responsibility for that decision. For those who are angry, blame Cuomo. For those who have lost their jobs, blame Cuomo. The notion that Cuomo was willing to put such risk and pressure on himself shows the true power of a leader who cares about his people. And now, as the pandemic grows, states like California and other federal agencies have begun pumping federal reserves to stimulate the economy for small and large businesses. Banks have lowered interest rates on school and mortgage loans. Tax filing deadlines have been pushed back and even New York Times has been offering resources on how to manage money during this time of crisis. This is the power of the American people, united. This is what a democratic country can do to comfort those who may be struggling during the period of time. The more I watch the news, the more I am thankful for the help that the government has put in to soften the blow.
While there are many things that Trump does that I do not believe in, I hope that we can come out of this pandemic stronger as not just a country, but as a people.
