Just a few days ago, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis reopened the Jacksonville beaches for locals and tourists. He reasoned that there were few cases in the area, and it was essential people get outdoor exercise. He still cautioned people to keep their distance.
Many didn’t take his word to heart as they filled the beaches and didn’t practice social distancing. Keeping distance is an important factor in keeping the virus from spreading. Yet while some stay home, only leaving for necessities, others continue with their travel plans or make a mockery of the virus in general.
During this epidemic, doctors and nurses have taken to social media to warn against travel. Only within the last few weeks has it become more difficult for people to continue with their normal activity because most beaches, parks and other public gathering places have closed. But before that occurred, travelers got warning about the unknowns of COVID-19 and were told by the World Health Organization (WHO) that although young, they could still get very sick. Dr. Bruce Aylward, senior adviser to the Director-General of WHO explained why it was much more severe for young people than they realize. “Ten percent of the people who are in ICUs in Italy are in their 20s, 30s or 40s. These are young, healthy people with no comorbidities, no other diseases,” he said.
Even the daily Coronavirus hearings aren’t taken seriously by some. Because the sports people normally bet on are postponed indefinitely, Sports Betting Dime has taken to betting on the number of times certain words such as “fantastic” and “amazing” are said during a briefing. The company then puts out the number of times they think a word will be said and people can bet on whether they think the word will be said more or less than that number. This is called Over/Under betting. Not only will people bet on anything, but the coronavirus briefings, supposed to be seen as serious, get mocked through betting.
Although many find it difficult to sit at home for days, we must consider what healthcare professionals say about the virus and keep ourselves safe. Many were excited to get outside of the house and go to the beach, but their closeness could cause the virus to spread more in the Jacksonville area. Doing this not only compromises their health but that of family and friends they come into contact with. The best thing to do is wait out the storm in the safety of your own home.
