By Monique Hood
When news of the coronavirus first broke out a lot of people were bewildered. Now that it’s been a year since the first breakout of COVID-19, our lives have changed in one way or another.
The initial breakout of the virus in the United States was recorded in January 2020. According to The New York Times, the first recorded case of the virus being spread was from a man returning home to Washington after a trip to Wuhan, China. He had developed symptoms of the virus just two days after returning.
Since then we have learned much about a pandemic.
“My initial reaction when first hearing the news about the coronavirus was disbelief and confusion,” said Cindy Edmond, a local essential worker. “I believe the government did not use all available resources and warning from other countries to protect lives. I wholeheartedly believe the [Trump] Administration at the time downplayed the seriousness and impact the virus would have on lives for political gain.”
According to the New England Journal of Medicine, the symptoms of the virus were first recorded as having pneumonia by the ninth day of infection. With the virus rapidly spreading, many states implemented precautions to protect its residents.
A lot of things had to change or be put on pause due to COVID-19.
“Due to Covid-19 I’ve stopped traveling,” said Aesia Worm, a bank marketing manager. “No longer dine out, party, or attend public events. Now I wear a mask whenever I’m in public and frequently wash my hands.”
The COVID-19 virus has also begun to mutate and create different waves. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, viruses will constantly change through mutation and it is expected to continuously change over time. Mutations have been found in the United Kingdom, South Africa and Brazil. In the UK the variant called B.1.1.7 spread very easily and was first detected around December 2020.
With the first year of the COVID-19 passing us by there is still speculation as to how much longer we’ll be with the virus. There have been many guesses as to when life will go back to “normal.”
“I’m frankly tired of Covid and I’m ready to be free to stop wearing a mask, free to party, free to travel, just free up myself,” Worm said. “Sadly COVID-19 seems to be something that we will have to live with like any other virus.”
There are still those who remain optimistic for the future although our livelihood has changed drastically this past year.
“Keep hopeful, clean, and social distance yourself from people you don’t live with,” Christina Robin- son said.
It looks liked Covid-19 will be us for much longer than we initially anticipated but there are ways to keep yourself safe and to enjoy life to the fullest.
“I would advise others to continue wearing a mask out in public or in large gatherings, continue frequent handwashing and sanitizing, cleaning, and disinfecting homes, seeking immediate medical attention if exposure to COVID-19 is suspected,” Edmond said. “Also, if anyone is feeling anxious, depressed or having changes in mental status to seek professional help.”