When I first posted about the pandemic in April of this year, the catch phrase was '14 days to flatten the curve', meaning we'd need to isolate ourselves for 14 days which would then prevent us from overloading our health care services due to everyone getting Covid at the same time. Maybe it would disappear if we'd just stop spreading it. It's hard to believe that was 30+ weeks ago and we're still dealing with the pandemic. The infections are increasing in all countries to be even higher than they were when the pandemic first broke out. Thankfully the death rate has been reduced dramatically since the early days and there are two vaccines that look promising.
At first, it wasn't a big sacrifice for me as I'm an introvert and can get along without social interaction for longer than most people. However, this imposed isolation is now getting to feel like it's bordering on cruelty even for us introverts.
And when we attempt to get back to feeling normal by responsibly doing something that is in that category of a non-essential activity such as visiting a restaurant, I can feel the judgement of those who consider us to be putting others' lives in danger despite following all the safety guidelines.
That is one of the odd things about this pandemic. If you violate any of the constantly changing safety guidelines, no one will care if you die of Covid. Indeed, some may actually wish for you to come down with Covid and die a slow and agonizing death to punish you for your wrecklessness! But they are really worried about their own health or the health of someone who might matter to them, someone that you put at risk with your carelessness.
There is a very anti-social vibe that emanates from those who dictate how you should properly conduct yourself during this pandemic. If you're an essential worker, then get your ass to work and put your life at risk so I don't run out of whatever you're providing. If not, lock yourself in your home and stay the hell away from me! Both of these attitudes is lacking in anything resembling compassion and I think it's turning people against each other.
Who are essential workers? They are those the provide us with essential products and those who protect us. They are the farmers, meat packers, grocery clerks, truckers, and delivery people. They are the health care workers, firemen, and police. They got no break from their jobs during this pandemic. In fact, many of them have had to work even harder.
Who are the non-essential people? They are the entertainers, actors, musicians and other performing artists, as well as athletes and anyone whose job requires people to gather in crowded spaces to earn their pay. They are many of the bar tenders, waiters, cooks, and dishwashers who saw their modest pay disappear over night.
I'm one of the 'lucky' ones who gets to work from home. But I can tell you that talking into a microphone for hours each day without any feedback from an audience as I lecture to them is not much fun at all. I'm sure it's no fun for students either.
I really want for this pandemic to be over. How about you? Leave a comment in the comments section if you'd like to share your thoughts or frustrations about the pandemic.
