Good evening folks.
I’m not sure if its because I’ve been living under a rock, but I only recently found out about the coronavirus that has been spreading all throughout China, other parts of Asia, and the newly reported cases in the United States and Europe. According to an article published by the Washington post less than one hour ago, there have been over one thousand confirmed cases of the infection and over forty people have died. This virus comes at the same time as the Spring festivities happening in China and most of Asia for the Lunar New Year, and many Chinese people have not been able to properly celebrate the occasion due to the fear of the virus. Authorities have canceled many of the functions that were supposed to be held in the hopes of reducing areas where large groups of people convene and the airborne virus could spread. China is struggling to cope with the new disease as reports of overflooded hospitals come out and inadequate resources for the influx of sick people – especially in Wuhan, the city where the virus initially broke out.
It saddens me to know that during a time of celebration and joy so many people around Asia are scared and unable to experience the traditional New Year. In Wuhan, the Chinese government has put the city of over ten million in lockdown, with all of the roads to exit blocked by officials. Grocery stores have been running out of fresh produce, and most people have not been leaving their homes in fear of contracting the disease. Videos on social media of hospitals in Wuhan show overflowing rooms and people packed together with little quarantine. The city does not presently have the resources to properly contain the virus, and while the government putting in efforts to help its citizens, it does not appear to be enough.
One interesting part of this situation is how active Chinese citizens have been on social media. People have been flocking to Twitter, Facebook, and Weibo as they are stuck in their homes to share their experiences. One user wrote that her grandfather contracted the virus after taking care of her grandmother, who had it, but no hospital would take him in due to a lack of beds.
I’m sure that there are other people like me who possibly didn’t even know that this outbreak existed. However, with three cases in the states, the disease is definitely likely to create new headlines. I read another article addressing fears of people in the US, and it stated that for the most part, we don’t have much to worry about – at least not yet. We should, however, be exercising precaution because it is flu season, and should be acknowledging that this is a world problem. We shouldn’t only recognize something as a problem when it hits our country, we need to understand that this is a world problem and press our officials to help those that are in need in other countries as well. For now, I pray that the virus does not spread further and that those who are in need of aid are able to receive the resources they require.
Stay healthy,
Arlo
Arlo's Blog 