By Maddie Wharton
Anyone who knows me knows I’m not particularly good at following the rules. A part of me seems to be perpetually stuck in that childhood phase where I do the opposite of what I’m told. It’s not that I particularly enjoy being disobedient, but rather that I’m curious as to why that specific action is forbidden. I’m a modern Pandora, frequently opening the box. But there come times when, as a rational adult, I acknowledge the laws are not to be violated. I can recognize that they are in place for my safety or the safety of others. The era of coronavirus is one of those times. I’m not curious as to what will happen if I go outside, I know what will happen. I’ll put myself and everyone around me in danger. I understand it’s imperative to stay inside right now because curiosity will quite literally kill the cat -- the cat being vulnerable populations, of course.
To me, this concept is clear as day. It’s so simple, my third graders can grasp it in a foreign language. Yet, I find myself having to repeatedly explain it to my friends back in the U.S. I scroll through photos on Instagram of people in an empty park or a lineless Starbucks with some caption about the “perks of quarantine.” That is not quarantine. Quarantine is not journeying out of your home to relish in the now-deserted places you frequent. It means only leaving your house for essentials. And this is where I believe the confusion stems from. What exactly defines “essential?” How do we determine what is crucial for survival?
In Spain, there are only three valid destinations to which a person can be traveling: the market for food, the pharmacy for medicine, or work if their profession is in an essential industry. This also works in reverse; if an individual is returning home, they must be coming from one of these three locations or a citation and fine will be issued. These restrictions are black and white. In contrast, the situation is not as explicit in the United States. The list of indispensable industries is regulated on a state-to-state basis. In states like California, citizens are being ordered to stay home by Governor Gavin Newsom. Almost all businesses, aside from grocery and pharmacy, have been forced to close; schools have transitioned to online classes for the remainder of the academic session. On the opposite side of the spectrum, we have states like Arizona. Governor Doug Ducey has temporarily closed schools, but not child care facilities. He is still permitting gatherings of up to 50 people and allowing restaurants, bars, and businesses to stay open. Across the nation, there are varying levels of restrictions and numerous interpretations of which institutions should be deemed essential.
The disconnect between the local and federal government is cause for serious concern. It’s a constant flood of misinformation and inconsistency, jeopardizing millions of lives. Now, more than ever, the country needs a united front. This isn’t a political controversy up for debate; this is a humanitarian crisis that demands action now. Now, on day 16 of complete lockdown, it’s impossible not to feel frustrated watching friends and family make the same mistakes we made in Spain, but with the knowledge to avert the consequences we’re suffering. It’s exceptionally disheartening to inform, warn, and plead with anyone who will listen, just to be dismissed. Everyone seems to be genuinely concerned about my well-being over here, but they completely fail to comprehend that their situation will be mine in a matter of days if they don’t heed the warnings.
My intentions are not to frighten or threaten, but rather to caution and play my part in slowing the spread of this virus. Periodically, I remind myself to redirect my frustration from my peers to the officials that refuse to protect their constituents. But at the end of the day, I don’t harness the power to change the actions of those individuals. I can only share my story and urge my people and my readers to do everything in their power to “flatten the curve.”
The task is simple. Do not go outside - at all. Don’t leave for any reason other than food and pharmaceuticals. I realize a quick coffee is tempting. I understand it might feel like a great time for a round of golf. And I know it’s hard to hear, but a stroll along the beach or a jog in the park is simply not critical at this time. Neither is the coffee. Neither is the golf. More than 6 million people in Madrid have been surviving just fine without leisurely ventures outdoors for weeks. Don’t get me wrong, I love and miss the fresh air as much as the next person, but we have to think bigger than ourselves right now. We can’t focus solely on our personal desires, we must consider the gravity of the situation and the fatality of COVID-19. Each and every one of us has the opportunity to combat this lethal pandemic and all we’re being asked to do is stay inside. So when contemplating your next action, ask yourself, is this protecting my community? Is this truly “essential?” Then call your governor and ask them the same.
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