If you're reading this, I'm sure by now you've heard of the coronavirus or COVID-19. It's become a worldwide pandemic. People have been placed under lock down. Quarantines, curfews, stay-at-home orders. This virus has affected every part of everyday life.
As an author, I've tried to use this social distancing time to write my next novel, which coincidentally heavily features the outbreak of a virus. In the fictional country of the United State Federation, a deadly virus has been unleashed. The people and the government are trying to find ways to deal with it and slow its spread. In my mind, I pictured how the world would look if something like that were to happen. I began drawing inspiration off the bubonic plague ("The Black Death") of the 1300s. But times are much different now. Sure, there have been other diseases that have plagued people in recent times, but nothing on such a grand scale. Seeing how the modern world reacts has been enlightening.
Things that I've noticed through the different stages of the outbreak have been telling of human nature. In the beginning, there was panic. People began stockpiling basic goods. Toilet paper, canned goods, fresh meats were gone. Fear had gripped the nation. But out of that fear, growth began to happen. We began to find new ways to do things. Becoming socially distant brought us closer together. We began to stop taking certain things for granted. The convenience of a quick trip to the store, the luxury of dining out, the hug of a grandparent.
There has been controversy among people. As with all things, there has been a polar effect. Some have become paranoid and have sealed themselves in their homes, afraid to go outside. Others have scoffed at its dangers and continue their lives like normal. Most have met in the middle. Staying at home as much as they can and only venturing out when necessary.
In doing so, the world has slowed down. Businesses have been shuttered. Restaurants restricted to take out only. The day to day hustle of the world has been brought to a halt. But life goes on. The virus has brought about struggles. Record unemployment, essential workers facing the frontline, freedoms restricted for safety. But life goes on.
The world has given man the opportunity to reevaluate the important things. Take time for your family and friends. Be thankful for jobs and the opportunity to contribute to something worthwhile. Enjoy the freedoms to go and do as you please. In the blink of an eye, you realize how fragile our way of life is.
But take heart. The world isn't ending. This is only a chapter. The story goes on. Life goes on.
Stay home. Stay safe. God bless.