As a resident of King County, Washington, the epicenter of the COVID-19 outbreak in the U.S., I live with my partner and our two elementary-aged children. By March 18, our county had reported 562 COVID-19 cases, resulting in 56 tragic fatalities. Alarmingly, 35 of those deaths were at the Life Care Center in Kirkland, just a few miles from my home.
Having watched films like I Am Legend, Contagion, and World War Z, I wasn’t thrilled about being at ground zero of a viral outbreak. If Hollywood stars like Will Smith, Brad Pitt, or Matt Damon were to arrive, I’d gladly join them in combating any undead-like victims roaming our streets.
Initially, like many, I dismissed COVID-19 as a distant threat when it first emerged in February. Our region is often a significant trade hub with China, yet the news of deaths in another country felt far removed. Our community was sympathetic, but the reality seemed unreal.
The first confirmed case in neighboring Snohomish County on January 20 barely registered. The individual had traveled to Wuhan and was already quarantined by the time we learned of him. This felt like a manageable situation: a person in quarantine, and officials addressing it. Nothing to fret over.
A brief school closure occurred when a teacher had contact with someone who’d traveled to China, leading many to scoff. The teacher wasn’t even sick; it seemed a cautious overreaction. Little did we know what was coming. If only we had paid more attention to the warnings.
Things escalated dramatically after the first local death on February 29. Within days, schools in our district were closed indefinitely, and businesses were encouraged to allow remote work. Grocery stores were stripped of hand sanitizers and disinfectants, with bottled water disappearing as if we’d soon lose plumbing access. Clearly, I wasn’t the only one influenced by too many apocalyptic films.
Fortunately, information about COVID-19 was readily available through schools, libraries, and community organizations. My bank even distributed vital updates. Schools managed to educate children about the virus without causing undue alarm. “The virus only affects old people and babies,” my six-year-old insisted, “Really old people, like those in their forties.”
While there’s concern, panic remains absent. We’ve started to share alternative songs for the 20-second handwashing countdown. Streets have become noticeably quieter, and gatherings like birthday parties are being postponed. My husband’s cough on the bus drew startled glances, as if he’d brandished a weapon.
What’s often overlooked in these disaster films is the calmness and compassion in our community. Hours after school closures were announced, local residents formed a Facebook group to coordinate childcare resources. Churches and neighbors rallied to provide meals for the exhausted staff at Life Care in Kirkland. Tech-savvy individuals stepped up to assist families with e-learning setups, even donating refurbished computers for students.
The crucial difference between our reality and those cinematic tales is the tangible impact of COVID-19 on real lives. There are dedicated healthcare professionals working tirelessly to contain this virus. Families are facing financial struggles due to necessary quarantine measures, and there are many mourning the loss of loved ones. This isn’t the thrill of a movie; it’s a heartbreaking reality.
Regrettably, our leadership fails to grasp the gravity of the situation. In a March 4 interview, the president suggested that health organizations were overstating the seriousness of COVID-19. While some may view these warnings as exaggerated, I urge everyone to recognize COVID-19’s reality. It’s imperative we heed the advice from health officials. This isn’t a script from Hollywood; it’s our lives.
For more insights about navigating the pandemic, you can check out this other blog post or visit NICHD for excellent resources.
Summary:
This article reflects on the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic from the perspective of a parent living in the epicenter in King County, Washington. It captures the initial disbelief, eventual escalation of the situation, and the community’s response, highlighting both personal experiences and broader societal implications.