Why We Can't Trust One Another to Do The Right Thing During This Pandemic
I’ve been in self-quarantine since the end of January 2020 (today is May 28, 2020).
My husband and I were traveling through Portugal and found out about the Coronavirus during our layover at London Heathrow Airport (LHR). We were informed that a virus, originating from Wuhan, China, was spreading rapidly, but, at the time, I didn’t think that the U.S. would end up being the country most affected by deaths and sickness.
We returned home safely, a few days passed by, I suddenly I became really ill (not COVID-19 related), and was confined to my room/bathroom. Until April, I couldn’t have left my house even if I wanted to—- I would only leave for doctor appointments and once for a Galentine’s Day celebration in February. Imagine not leaving the house for 5 months…
HISTORY
You might ask why I’m so cautious. To give you some history, I’ve lived with chronic illnesses for almost all my life which have suppressed my ability to fight off even the simplest of things, like the “common” cold.
I was a type-1 diabetic since the age of 9, lost most of my vision AND underwent organ transplant surgery ( kidney and pancreas transplant) at the age of 33, then was diagnosed with mild Crohn’s Disease at the age of 40 (the thing that made me so sick from January-April). There are no cures, but my treatments include immunosuppressive medication and intravenous infusions. I take great care of myself, but these conditions were in my cards for whatever reason.
I know I’ll have to keep away from the “real world” for much longer than most would ever have to. It makes me incredibly sad and a bit anxious, but I can’t risk it. I was intubated and on a respirator once when I was 21 years old and “healthy”, but almost didn’t make it through that ordeal. I can’t imagine going through something similar almost 20 years later.
My friends and family are all concerned for me and for their own well-being, which makes me feel safe. I have friends who have the Coronavirus, friends who’ve had the Coronavirus but have made it through, and my husband lost some friends to this awful virus.
I ASSUMED WRONG.
I assumed people are all worried about their well-being.
I assumed wrong.
What astonishes me is witnessing people think this virus is a hoax, that their “freedom” is being taken from them as they’ve been advised to quarantine, and other conspiracy theories surrounding the sickness/death rates.
It makes me want to scream. What in the world would make people think this is a hoax, that the illness doesn’t exist, and that the numbers aren’t real? We are witnessing it first-hand in the U.S.!
OR MAYBE…
Since they’ve not been affected directly by the virus, they assume it’s not real.
Why in the world would one need to witness it personally for it to become real to them?
Y'all… I. DON’T. UNDERSTAND!
SOURCES
I go straight to the source for accurate information.
I go to social media for people’s opinions.
FACEBOOK
Below is a Facebook post I wrote a few days ago. The comments both assured me that others feel the way I feel, as well as made me very afraid for the world. Many made assumptions and/or tried to prove their own point in un-friendly ways. Those commenters did not provide helpful information to back their statements. Some remained fairly neutral and were helpful in expressing their views.
HERE’S WHY I CAN’T TRUST OTHERS DURING THIS PANDEMIC
My little microcosm proved that, even though I only received 100 or so comments, others don’t have my best interest in mind. We don’t have each other’s backs. Why don’t we have each others’ backs? Why don’t we care for ourselves fully? Why don’t we care for others fully? This is awful!
Yes, I said it… and it sucks to say it.
Without further adieu, here is the post. And below are the comments.
I’d love your comments below!
P.S. Please remember that I’m asking a human questions “How has the U.S. just seemingly opened up so unsafely?” and “Why aren’t people concerned for their own well-being?”
P.P.S. I whited-out names to protect the privacy/safety of others.
