Please, if any of you are stressed out or anxious due to the world’s current situation, do not read. I will talk about some things that might make it worse. Sorry ~Madi

So i know pretty much all of you know what the current situation is right now. The pandemic, COVID-19, and coronavirus. It sucks, really badly, and it can be very scary.

For me, I hate this virus thing so much. At first, whenever it was still “contained” in China, I wasnt too worried. I was worried for those who were passing away, and it was still scary, but i knew nothing about it and thought it was just going to be a small phase. But now that it has reached the United States, it got pretty scary for me. It would only be a matter of time before it got to my town/state, and i have relatives all over the country. I have some relatives in the places that have the highest number of people infected, and i am truly terrified. I am not too worried about myself, though i am trying to keep clean so i have a lower chance of being infected.

Yesterday was the day i think the virus has impacted me the most. First, it was my family. Nobody was sick, but we did plan a small family gathering between my immediate family, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. My grandparents cancelled last night and i was pretty bummed out. I know they are at-risk for getting the illness, but i havent seen them in such a long time. I guess facetime would help, but its not the same.

Then, a day before, my family went to the store. I did a few extra chores last week, so my dad owed me a new pair of earbuds. They were there for a few hours (1-2 maybe) and they came back with a lot, but no earbuds. My dad explained that the shelves were nearly bare, and they had to pay extra for other-brand products since the cheaper ones werent there anymore due to people stocking up. They also took headphones, which was weird but i dont see why it would have anything to do with the virus, so im hoping they were just out. But the pictures…they took pictures of the shelves and it was so odd. The once full shelves were now empty, except a few pieces of trash here and there. It was eerie and i got chills.

Last night i went to this store with my dad to get alluminum foil, and there were people everywhere. People were dragging along 2 and 3 carts filled with cans and random things. There was trash everywhere, and i even saw 2 people arguing. It was weird and the shelves there were bare as well. And the part that bothers me the most is that most of the things these people are hoarding will most likely go to waste.

STAYING SAFE:

• Make sure you wash your hands
• Clean often
• Take showers daily
• Try not to make too much physical contact with anyone
• Clean often-used or dirty surfaces
• Dont touch your face
• If feeling sick, stay home
• Cough into elbow/napkin (throw away afterwards asap)

I hope everyone is staying safe and cautious. Please stay sanitary and try not to get too freaked out. Its not like the flu, but try to act like it is and STAY SAFE. Please. I couldnt bear it if i lost one of my friends. Have fun too, and if you are quarantined please keep the faith and maybe you can learn something new (like draw or play an instrument.).