As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to affect our daily lives, the phrase “social distancing” has become commonplace. With schools closing across the United States and multiple states issuing “stay-at-home” orders, our routines have been turned upside down. Although people can still leave their homes, non-essential businesses have been instructed to shut down to minimize contact and keep as many individuals working remotely as possible. To truly flatten the curve and alleviate the burden on our healthcare system, it’s crucial for everyone to adhere to these guidelines. This includes canceling vacations and day trips—please, just stay home.
In the wake of these directives, many are taking the situation seriously; however, a concerning number of individuals seem to disregard the well-being of others. They believe they are exempt from the rules, viewing the situation as an inconvenience rather than a public health crisis. This mindset not only jeopardizes their own health but also the health of countless others, as they may unknowingly carry and spread the virus.
Let me be clear: this attitude is selfish and privileged. Just days after California’s Governor Gavin Newsom announced a shelter-in-place order, popular parks and beaches were still crowded. Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti had to remind people of the seriousness of the situation. In Boca Raton, local authorities used Twitter to highlight gatherings that blatantly violated social distancing guidelines.
Moreover, it seems that some individuals in Florida believe that if there’s water nearby, it’s their right to be there, completely disregarding health warnings. College students, such as Sarah Thompson, have expressed frustration that coronavirus is ruining their spring break plans. “What else is there to do here besides going to bars or the beach?” she lamented. Meanwhile, many of us are grappling with job loss, financial instability, and health concerns.
While statistics from reputable sources like Johns Hopkins University show the rising number of COVID-19 cases and deaths, some still prioritize their vacations over public health. Reports of students from various universities disregarding safety measures for a day at the beach have surfaced. One might wonder, “Where are their parents?” Unfortunately, many adults are also ignoring the need for caution.
I’ve seen numerous social media posts from individuals refusing to cancel their travel plans, insisting that their trips to Hawaii or the national parks were too important to postpone. While they may have the financial means for these vacations, their actions contradict the guidance from the CDC and WHO, which have issued travel advisories urging people to stay put.
Hawaii’s Governor David Ige has explicitly requested that visitors postpone their trips for at least 30 days to protect the local community. With confirmed cases on the rise, many of the destinations people are desperate to visit will remain closed indefinitely if we don’t collectively make sacrifices. Ignoring guidelines only prolongs the necessary shutdowns, keeping businesses shuttered and schools closed.
I understand the desire to see loved ones and travel; I too have had to reschedule flights to visit my partner, who lives far away. It’s disheartening, yet prioritizing public health over personal desires is essential. Sacrificing our plans now not only protects ourselves but also those we care about.
This isn’t normal life; it’s a time for collective responsibility. Listen to health authorities, put aside your vacation plans, and keep yourself at home. For further insights on navigating this challenging time, check out one of our other blog posts here. For creative ways to engage your children during this period, visit here. For excellent resources on home insemination and pregnancy, refer to this page here.
In summary, the ongoing crisis requires a unified response from all of us. Cancel your travel plans, stay home, and prioritize the health of yourself and your community. Your temporary inconvenience can save lives.