Coronavirus and its Global Effects

The Coronavirus, dubbed as COVID-19, has been taking the world by storm since it’s first diagnosis in Wuhan, China on December 31, 2019. From there, it spread to more than 146 different countries, including, but not limited, to the United States, Canada, Iran, Japan, Italy, France, India, the United Kingdom, Russia, and even Ireland. 

There have been around 413,467 confirmed cases and over 18,589 deaths from the coronavirus as of March 26, 2020. Countries are sending their citizens into mass quarantine as a way to prevent the spread of this virus. Italy announced a national lockdown on March 9th, restricting nearly all movement of its citizens, in fear of spreading the coronavirus more than it already has. 

Specifically, schools in America have been closing frequently to combat the virus. Social Distance is a way to prevent infectious diseases. A distance of six feet or more is needed to help prevent the spread. Groups larger than 10 are discouraged.   

According to Vox News, “In recent weeks, though, the number of new infections and deaths reported in China has been declining, which suggests the spread of the virus may have peaked there and that transmission is slowing down.” 

Despite this good news, people are still on high alert. The virus has been declining in China, yet it has spiked in other areas of the country. South Korea, Italy, and Iran have all been hit hard by the coronavirus. Multiple cruise ships have been stopped at sea after passengers on board tested positive for this disease, which left thousands of people out at sea. Even the United States has been hit hard, bringing up its infection count to 51,9914, and death count to 673 as of March 24, 2020. 

The CDC has been facing backlash after handing out faulty coronavirus test kits within the chaos of the first handful of infections in the United States. The New York Times states that “The C.D.C. does not recommend testing for people who may have been exposed to the virus but have no symptoms. Even if they are infected, if they are still in the incubation period, there may not be enough virus in their bodies for the test to detect.” This is clearly a problem, for the disease can still be contagious. They are handing out tests at a slow pace, the supply being limited. 

Paranoia is sweeping the world, and everyone’s on guard. Toilet paper, hand sanitizer, disinfectant, masks, and gloves are all flying off the shelves, part of the collective stocking up on supplies. People are reselling face masks and gloves for $70. This has only fueled the panic among the public, which makes things worse. 

Wall Street has been hit hard, stocks plummeting by over 2,000 points. Crude oil prices have also gone down, affecting Saudi Arabia, one of the main suppliers of oil in the United States.  

Businesses have closed down, leaving people with no source of income. However, according to the Washington Examiner, “President Trump promised a major lift to workers during the coronavirus crisis as officials spelled out plans to send them checks within the next two weeks as part of a huge bailout package.”

At press time, there have been 4,000 confirmed cases in New Jersey, and 62 deaths. This has caused a large amount of the schools to close, including Nutley Public Schools.  The temporary closing began March 16, 2020, and planned to open on April 12 in the best case scenario. There is no set date yet This is all to prevent the alarming spread of coronavirus inside the state. 

Practicing proper hygiene and practicing social distancing at all times is extremely important. coronavirus can be spread through contact. Those over 70 years of age and/or have underlying medical conditions should be wary as well. 

Shortness of breath, a cough, and fever are all symptoms of coronavirus. Tests are given at most medical establishments.

The key to combating the Coronavirus is to not panic. The best course of action is to keep others, and ourselves safe.