Over the past couple months, my friends and family have constantly been on my mind. During confusing times like this pandemic, it is hard to not think about loved ones. I’m always wondering if they are taking the proper precautions when they go to work, get groceries or any other seemingly normal activities.
Having relatives in different states or even countries makes it hard to stay in contact with them. Even with the numerous forms of communication, there is no way to know if they are staying safe every time they leave the house.
My cousin, Dakota lives in the busy city of Seattle and he works at a store cleaning grocery carts. When I heard this, I quickly became concerned. If one of the carts he cleaned was infected, he could possibly get the Coronavirus.
Knowing that someone you love could be in a potentially life threatening position because of other people is scary. I wish that Dakota could stay at his home so I know he’s safe. But I know that he, along with many other people in the country, still have to go to work to earn money to live. All I can do is hope that he is wearing gloves and a mask as well as the people shopping.
Curbside pickup and delivery of groceries have become popular in the last few months. It is safer and easier than going to an actual store. Even with these options, my grandparents are still going to grocery stores.
I know that they wear masks whenever they leave the house, but other people don’t. That can put them at risk of getting the virus. My grandparents are older and their immune systems aren’t as good as they used to be. It would be easy for them to get sick because of people’s carelessness.
When I see people walking around stores without masks on, I can’t help but think they don’t care about their health or the people around them. I would like to see people wearing masks and keeping their distance while shopping.
People argue that it is fine to see their friends if they stay the proper distance apart. I agree that it is perfectly fine to see people if they are at least six feet away.
But they aren’t.
All over my social media feeds I see people having ‘social distancing parties.’ In their posts they’re clearly not far enough apart.
I have seen many pictures of people right next to each other, even hugging.
Seeing a sticker promoting social distancing on a picture of people that are clearly not is simply a mockery of those who are.
This is frustrating.
Not only am I angry about my friends continuing to not social distance, but I am concerned about their health. When I see them sitting right next to people, it makes me think they don’t care enough about what is happening in the world to find somewhere else to sit.
I know they’re smart people, so I’m confused why they aren’t listening to the facts about the virus and trying to keep themselves safe.
My friends are some of the most important people in my life and I need them to stay healthy throughout this pandemic. I understand that not seeing your friends is hard, but your health is more important than sitting right next to them.
This pandemic clearly isn’t over yet. Everyday cases of the Coronavirus are still being confirmed. While I’m staying home to flatten the curve, people are going out and seeing others.
It’s not right. Do your part and stay home or stay six feet away.
