This virus has really inspired me to write. This is such an interesting time in our society and I'm not sure if I understand or like what it is doing to our communities and country/countries. Profiling and racism is one of the negative outcomes of this virus.
For example, the ship that has docked in Oakland has thousands of people on it. The reactions I see in our community to the ship being so close is concerning. Just imagine if you were one the individuals on that ship. You decided to embark on a vacation that you probably saved up for and waited months to go. Instead it turns into a nightmare, while you are contained waiting to find out if you have a deadly virus or not. Then once you are allowed to step on land you probably feel sense of burden on the community at no fault of your own. We need to embrace these individuals instead of shaming them and thinking why would they dock the boat here?
For work I travel a ton. I actually have traveled 2 times since the virus made its way to the country. I have always thought traveling has been dirty. Think about those tray tables, handrails, bathrooms, and security check points. I mean there are just tons of people going through there. I was actually standing in line to wash my hands for the first time ever. What does that say about our community? It says people are gross. Why are we all of a sudden practing good hygiene? Shouldn't we be doing this all along? This woman and I were joking about it in the bathroom. But on the traveling note, why do I feel a sense of guilt for taking that "chance" of traveling and bringing it back to the community. I mean in all fairness I know I'm fine, but should I be shamed because I want to travel, and I want my family to travel? The reality is that I'm canceling a trip scheduled for next week and I'm not attending 2 trade shows as of now for this. One being rescheduled, and one they are still deciding to hold.
I know this is scary for many, and yes the % is higher than the flu of death rates, but the information is new and not picked through correctly. We don't know about the virus, which is scary, and on a side note if you wanted to get tested the doctor you see would need to make a strong case to the CDC and maybe you would be tested. If not they tell you to self quarantine and be on your way. This is not fully controlled which is why people are in a panic. Look at your 401K, look at your stocks. It's crazy what is happening. Look how people are being treated. I hope as a country we can get a grip on this and continue to act like a community and society.
