COVID-19 destroyed the Spring Break plans of thousands of college kids around the country including myself. However trips will come and go, but the safety our loved ones is not guaranteed. So how much do college kids value their spring break? Enough that the streets of Miami, Florida were flooded with youth enjoying their spring break. Although they are now upset that bars and beaches are closing and their fun is coming to end. Their mindset of “If I Get Corona, I Get Corona” is not slowing the party. A young adult’s sense of invincibility is one of the most dangerous threats to slowing the spread of COVID-19. This is extremely selfish as it is not essentially us, we should be worried about but spreading the disease unintentionally to our grandparents, the immunocompromised, and even our parents. They say they will wash their hands and be diligent but it is hard to protect yourself from something you cannot even see. It is our vacations we can take again, but stopping the spread of this pandemic is something we need to do right now. As this pandemic becomes more serious, spring breakers fearlessness has aided in the inevitable widespread of COVID-19.
The CDC recommends social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19. this includes staying home when possible, not crowding at stores, ordering food to go and so much more Yet rarely anyone listened initially. Now the White House is advising the public to avoid groups larger than 10 to slow the pandemic and encourages socially distancing of 6 feet. The government finally taking a strong stance on COVID-19 is finally showing the American people how serious and detrimental the virus is. The people will follow their government and the government’s lack of urgency towards COVID-19 is ultimately why so many students still took their Spring Break trips at the beginning of March. It takes the efforts of all not just a select few to slow a virus down and to stop its spread and the government needs to be the leader of the efforts.
How is COVID-19 Evolving Now?
Scientists in China have found 2 strains of the COVID-19 a highly aggressive (faster spreading) “L” strain prevalent in Wuhan in late 2019 and a less aggressive “S” strain. The frequency of the more aggressive virus has decreased. This drop is because of China’s strict measures and attempts to control the virus. However the strains studied were only taken from China, scientists have yet to determine if the same strains are spreading worldwide. All that is known is that the COVID-19 has been mutating throughout its progression.
The virus is present in all 50 states. The widespread transmission of COVID-19 has had serious consequences not only on those effected but the health care industry, schools, workplaces, mass gatherings and more. Universities and K-12 schools are moving to online instruction and many students are displaced from their university residential housing. This pandemic goes beyond the scope of healthcare but is impacting the fluidity and normalcy of the world. As grocery store shelves are bare, classrooms are empty, restaurants are closing, hospitals and clinics are full and life as we know it is no longer the same.
The Good, The Bad, The Microbiome 