Should you ignore quarantine during this pandemic?

Photo illustration by Kylee Weber

The past few weeks have been rocky. We have been told by the CDC to isolate ourselves, stay-at-home orders have been put in place and social distancing has become a popular trend within weeks. However, some people are disregarding these orders. 

Let me be clear: I am not here to bash on anyone. I am here to shed light on the importance of following the orders that are given to us by our state, county, and city. 

The CDC recommends, “(1) Wash hands often, (2) avoid close contact, (3) cover your mouth and nose with a cloth face cover when around others, (4) cover cough and sneezes, (5) clean and disinfect.” These simple tasks help prevent the spread of COVID-19. The biggest task that is being ignored is avoiding close contact.
The week that COVID-19 became a pandemic was spring break at Ottawa University. The reports urged people to stay home and not travel across the world to prevent the spread of the virus. However, several spring breakers disregarded the warning and went to travel across the world to beaches, museums and tourist sites. 

Clearwater Beach in Florida held thousands of people during the beginning of this pandemic. Spring breakers ignored the warnings and went for a fun spring break trip. However, this could have created a mass spread of the virus. As of April 8, 2020, according to the CDC, there are 395,011 total cases in the United States with 12,754 deaths. 

Across the world, we are currently in our “peak weeks,” meaning the highest number of COVID-19 cases will emerge within the next few weeks. A popular saying is now trending on social media, “April distance brings May existence.” Although this is just a saying, it brings truth to a dark moment.
Social distancing has become more important now than ever before. Social distancing is allowing at least six feet of room between you and another person. Allowing this social distance will allow a safety bubble for a person from receiving potentially dangerous germs. 

To the people that have not been taking the quarantine seriously, I ask you to think about those who don’t get to see loved ones, those who are stuck in a hospital and those poor souls who have COVID-19. You hold the power of saving yourself from being infected. Following the quarantine guidelines and checklist can help prevent the disease from spreading and allowing everyone, not just you, to go see your loved ones. 

With this being said, PLEASE STAY HOME!