All posts by Cameron DiGenova, Correspondent

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Life changes post-virus

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Salisbury, Massachusetts– Coronavirus, or COVID-19 has been traumatizing the globe since December 2019. As the virus continues to spread around the world, killing hundreds of thousands and infecting millions more, there is no certainty of when this will end. As we look towards the future, I think a lot of us have a similar question: how will life resume when this is over, and what’s going to be different? Some people believe that there will be a significant impact.  

“I really think that the way we interact with each other for at least this generation is going to change completely,” said Gerald McCoy, 27, a journeyman plumber. “Before this, you see a friend or family member, and you greet them with a hug or handshake. I really think people are going to be freaked out for a while, and will probably continue to maintain distance from other people. Maybe businesses might have to follow new rules too. I guess we’ll see.”  

Though some may believe things will change, others do not.  

“I don’t think anything will change, and to be frank with you this whole thing is kinda ridiculous,” said Robert Moughan, 43, a truck driver. “We have had diseases like this before, and they go away. It’s happened a lot, nothin’ will be different after this.” 

There definitely are mixed opinions on how the world will resume. A lot of answers lean towards what will happen with businesses, and what they may change moving forward.  

“I think a lot of businesses will have to drastically change their day to day operations to make sure everyone remains safe,” said Ally Witham, 20, a hair stylist. “I can imagine there will be strict restrictions on how many people can be in one area at a time, which will make it so there are much less people around than we’re normally used to.” 

There are quite a few different opinions on just exactly what may happen post COVID-19. In these uncertain times, it seems all we can do is speculate and wait for further developments.  

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Students cope with pandemic

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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.