In terms of an issue brief focusing on COVID-19, there has never been a more relevant time to talk about this topic due to the current events surrounding this new virus and the havoc it is causing around the globe. I will address the exigence of this topic by addressing how COVID-19 is continuing to spread in current society and how solutions proposed by the United States government of simply shutting down travel from Europe to the United States is not enough. I will reference specific events and statistics relevant to the recent spread of the virus, making it especially relevant to this time period. Since every conversation in recent days seems to have the word “coronavirus” or “COVID-19” in it, Kairos of this issue is very relevant and applicable to modern society. By stating something containing these “triggering” words at the beginning of the issue brief, it will grab the attention of the audience due to the recent peaked interest in the subject.
Whether or not people get the virus or have nowhere to buy toilet paper or food, everyone in society will be impacted by this pandemic, making the audience for this issue everyone across the country, and in other countries worldwide. But, due to the extensive breadth of this issue and the fact that I am not able to accurately reflect issues catered to each area, I will only be addressing United States towns because I am more knowledgeable in these areas and have easier access to information relating to these areas.
I think you will have no issue with the exigence of this global pandemic. I like your point about the audience. People are so caught in the idea of getting the virus that they are losing sight of other ways it is affecting them. The virus will touch the entire world in someway, and I think your brief will have the most affect if this emphasized. I would suggest that you maybe try and narrow down the scope of your issue more; maybe being towns in Connecticut or towns with x-y amount of people. I think that this finite definition of what you are addressing will make the brief more concise, and ensure that people can feel personally connected.
I like what Tessa had to say about the scope of the issue. Narrowing down the number of towns (or even to the point of a singular town) could be very beneficial for your policy as it allows you to be specific to a particular audience. You’ll have no problem with the urgency of this issue considering the immense effect that COVID-19 has and will have on everyone.
I am not sure if you have to narrow the scope of your issue brief, but I would say that you have to be very specific. Legislation and government actions surrounding the coronavirus is a hot-button topic — one which many different people hold many different opinions on. I realize it will be tough to research, as there is not much historical precedent, but backing your topic with facts will be essential to a truly convincing argument. I do not envy your position writing about such a complex and intricately interconnected issue!
Your topic is definitely a great choice! I totally agree with the use of kairos for your topic as everyone is talking about the coronavirus. Your issue brief will definitely be of importance because it would apply to a lot of people around the world. The only thing that seems a little bit tough is getting statistics for this issue because it is so ever changing, and no one completely knows what is going on.
I agree COVID-19 is definitely a sound choice with a lot of Kairos behind it at the time. This is definitely a globally engaging issue that any who isn’t living under a rock is monitoring,.