Shania Bennett

As of December 17, 2020, a record of 113,069 Americans are currently hospitalized with COVID-19 has been reported. This is the highest reported number of hospitalizations since the beginning of the pandemic. 

Unfortunately, this entire year has been dominated by the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Trying to conceptualize and adjust to the “new normal” has not looked identical for every individual. Although many people have experienced a series of drastic changes pertaining to life events, many have not. Also, many still take on the disposition of disregarding the seriousness of the virus. 

Even with surges of Coronavirus cases and Coronavirus related deaths, a study reported that over a quarter of American adults believe the virus to be a hoax or believe in conspiracy theories regarding COVID-19. Because of the acceptance of this ideology, many disregard common practices of wearing a mask, social distancing, and quarantining if they know or suspect they have come in contact or tested positive for the virus.

For my family and I, the Coronavirus pandemic was real from day one. During the month of March I lost my 53-year-old aunt and 31-year-old cousin to COVID-19, only days apart. Coping with grief and emotions of loss and during the COVID-19 pandemic has presented a series of challenges within itself. Due to CDC social distancing guidelines and COVID-19 hospital visitation policies, me and my family were robbed a huge part of the grieving process. We were not able to say our final goodbyes or have traditional funerals for my aunt and cousin. 

In addition my 3 cousins and uncle have experienced a tremendous loss not just of my aunt but financial security, as my aunt was the primary provider. This has also been the case for Americans all over the country. As the pandemic persists, cases continue to rise, emerging data show high rates of hardship. 25% of United States adults have reported having personally experienced job loss or have been affected significantly by job loss as a result of COVID-19. And Over 45% of lower income adults have reported that they have had difficulty paying bills and sustaining themselves during the pandemic. 

Although there are many uncertainties with when or how the Coronavirus pandemic will end, reduction of the spread of the virus is something that can be controlled. But that first starts with acknowledging the seriousness and the severity of it. Wearing a mask in public is just as important as following social distancing and social gathering guidelines.

The best approach to take is to realize that it’s not just about you but about protecting the next person. With Coronavirus vaccinations making their debut earlier this month, the world remains hopeful that this pandemic could be coming to an end. But that means that individually we all have to do our part in taking COVID-19 seriously.