Know that your actions create hope.
The U.S. was regrettably six weeks late in bracing for this virus.
Though we came into this battle unprepared, its not too late to alter the course of the virus.
Thought.is
We are still left with one primary weapon: social distancing, or self-isolating.
But the very real problem is that people are not following the rules.
People are not social distancing appropriately.
Reminder: this is not social distancing.
Experts are not entirely surprised that some individuals are resisting quarantining.
But this is not and should not be a free pass to not care.
You are living in an ominous world full of human suffering right now.
Many people have had their lives disrupted.
Many people have experienced devastating grief and loss.
This innocence and ignorance are where the problem begins.
We need more sensitivity.
We need more people to care about one another.
For those who choose not to take social distancing seriously, I have a message for you.
Though you are young and healthy, and most likely safe, this pandemicdoesandshouldimpact you.
If you are lucky, your family will stay safe.
Your loved ones will stay safe.
You will not be surrounded by loss or grief.
But even if you are lucky, the hardships of the rest of the world should affect you.
They should bring you sadness and some grief.
They should be reason enough to convince you to follow the rules.
Many people will face terrible battles in hospitals, fighting for their lives.
Or howshouldthis impact you?
We are all interconnected, we are all part of a delicate balance.
Our individual actions will affect the safety of many of those vulnerable.
Each of our choices will determine whether we beat this virus, or whether we fail.
We need our actions to reflect empathy and compassion.
Ultimately, we need to care more.
When did the lives of these individuals become any less valuable or meaningful than the lives of anyone else?
But this is unacceptable.
Any suffering is suffering.
And any loss is a heartbreaking loss.
No human life is expendable.
And no loss goes ungrieved.
Our hearts should go out to these individuals who are in this more vulnerable state.
We should be doing all that we possibly can to protect and support them.
Because if reversed, these individuals would absolutely go out of their way to protect younger people.
Health workers, our heroes right now, will also continue to suffer greatly.
And in caring for patients with the virus, doctors are putting their own lives and health at risk.
Vicki Jackson, of Mass General, saidWe are standing on the edge of the ocean in the dark.
Thus, it is not surprising that healthcare workers are taking a toll on their mental health.
On top of this, 71.% of these healthcare workers reported symptoms of psychological distress.
One miraculous silver lining of this virus is that the infection rate in children is very low.
We have this tendency to believe that childrenbounce backfrom disasters such as this more quickly than adults.
A loss such as this may cause long term damage to a childs emotional wellbeing.
Others will have their lives changed.
Others will experience suffering.
You have a role in minimizing the damage inflicted by the virus.
You have to do everything in your power to keep others safe.
What can you do?
But know that you are not alone in this.
You are part of thehopethat this world so badly needs.
The only way we win is if we treat every single person as if they are our family.
Because everyone is someones mother, or grandfather, or son.
Everyone is someones brother or father or daughter.Everyone is someone to someone.
So kindly, know that you might make a difference in this pandemic.
Know that you are a crucial part of the healing force against this illness.
And above all, take care of eachother.
