COVID-19 Pandemic or Corona Virus Paranoia

COVID-19 has been taken as a joke, featured in songs and has even been given a nickname. Not many were initially taking it seriously. The news of this virus fled all over the internet, billboard signs on the side of the road read "Stay Home" and took over many news segments. Against all warnings students still traveled all over for spring break and others continued to travel all over the world just in general.

Once people started to hear about celebrities such as Idris Elba and Tom Hanks testing positive for the coronavirus, most started to realize it wasn't much of a joke anymore. People went on a rampage buying up all the tissue and hand sanitizers on the aisles. Not only that, but personal hygiene products and some food were bought and cleared off aisles.

Walmart's frozen food section

Walmart's toiletry aisle 

Walmart's cereal aisle

The things described above are things that affected the world but not necessarily me personally. Once  South Carolina State University closed for the spring semester, that's when things got real for all of us college students.

I was very upset to hear that we couldn't return since I only have one semester left. after this one abruptly ended. The adjustments of taking classes remotely are truly nerve wrecking. All the memories that us students were supposed to make were suddenly halted and we were unexpectedly ask to clear out of our dorm rooms and move off campus.

 (video of me leaving campus after clearing out my room)

It was even worse for students who were supposed to graduate this semester since the opportunity got postponed. Some of the seniors who I personally knew, sent out farewell messages to students who they are now leaving behind. All in all, the coronavirus has definitely changed the course of plans for all students this semester.

At home life is causing readjustments as well. For some, it's difficult to complete assignments without internet access but I'm just having trouble focusing. This whole quarantine ordeal is also driving almost everyone crazy because of curfews, closed jobs and store hours changing.

On Thursday March 26, 2020 at 8:52 p.m. my sister JJ asked my other sister Davida if In and Out Wings was still open so she could go and get some wings. In response Davida said,  "It's 8 p.m. everything is closed now, nothing stays open long anymore because of the coronavirus ."

I know all these changes are to protect everyone and keep everyone healthy but these changes are truly affecting everyday lives. It is making me realize that I took normal activities and simple things for granted. I'm just ready for this to go away so we can get back to our normal lives.