Covid-19, also known as the “novel coronavirus”, is a disease currently ransacking the entire globe. According to the Centers for Disease Control, Covid-19 is “a respiratory illness that can spread from person to person.
So how exactly have the people in our community been affected by the coronavirus? With tons of businesses closing, school shutdowns, overwhelmed hospitals and stay at home advisories; this disease may hit a little closer to home than you think.
“My mother is waiting right now to go and get tested for the virus,” said Maille Dobson, 21, a student majoring in Liberal Arts at Northern Essex. “I can’t even leave my house because of everything that is going on. The only thing I can do is go to work, but I can’t see my friends or go do anything. It’s really boring all the time and the virus is scary.”
With the virus prevalent through our country, Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker issued a stay at home advisory through May 4th, suggesting that people do their best to stay home. Although not enforced, it is highly recommended.
“I lost my full-time salaried position because of the virus,” said Sophia Marcus, 20, a Northern Essex Communications graduate. “My mom is a nurse and I’m worried about her safety. My dad has asthma which makes him high risk, so I worry about him too.”
According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are a few factors which can make someone more at risk for covid-19. Some of these factors include people aged 65 or older, people who live in nursing homes/similar, people with lung or heart disease, and obese people.
With worries of job security and health, there are other concerns too. College students in multiple areas have been forced to move out of their dorms and transition to online classes, due to concerns of the virus spreading.
“I think the things that’s been most impactful for me was the fact I had to move out of my dorm and back home with no choice,” said Mckenzie Medeiros, 20, a student majoring in Biology at Northern Essex. “Online classes are taking a toll on me and I lack some of the initiative you need for them. I miss being able to go to the gym and go outside, it’s like life has come to a halt.”
It is true that for many people life has seemingly come to a halt. Here are some things you can do to lessen your chances of contracting Covid-19: Avoid coming into close contact with people, wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, stay home, clean and disinfect, according to the CDC.
