American rights during Covid-19

It's no secret that the response of the United States to the Covid-19 pandemic was late. Even though information was readily available that pointed clearly to acting quickly in order to slow the spread of the virus, as well as the examples of other countries that had devastating results, our country's government chose to wait until the virus was already at an uncontrollable spread throughout the nation to take any serious measure. While it is sadly not surprising that these are the decisions President Donald Trump has made, what is surprising is some people's lack of humanity now. With all the information provided by scientists and doctors who are recommending we practice social distancing and only go out for necessary reasons, why is it that thousands of Americans are still not listening? Is it possible that the American mindset of holding onto our rights is actually preventing us from showing basic human kindness?

According to the CDC, on April 4, 2020, there are now pushing 600,000 cases of the coronavirus nationwide and about 23,650 deaths and these numbers are going up daily! Those are horrifically high numbers. Yet somehow 7 states have not yet placed any stay at home orders or lock down requirements and the states that have seem to still have people going out and about for non-essential reasons. Many articles are being posted as well as simple Facebook posts that argue we Americans will be "giving up our rights" by listening to these stay at home orders. These articles say things like it is "unconstitutional" for our government to impose any such rules to keep us from gathering and if we obey such orders, we will be losing all the freedoms Americans have worked hard for. Some articles and posts go so far as to say our government has a bigger agenda to gain more control and take away our rights completely and this is just the slow start of it. While our First Amendment right does guarantee us the freedom of religion, speech, and the right to assemble (more included but these are the main points argued that we're losing), this pandemic is an emergency situation and these social distancing practices and stay at home orders are not going to last forever. However, stay at home orders will last longer than they need to be and possibly get stricter if we continue to not take advice given by doctors and scientists by continuing to go out as if nothing is wrong.

The American mindset tends to be very individualistic, prioritizing individual freedom and rights instead of focusing on the American society as a whole. Americans tend to agree that we can control our own circumstances and standing in life. With a virus such as covid-19 that is proving to be way out of our control, it is a time to step back to work together instead of so individually to focus on curbing the spread of the virus. That is the only way to slow the spread of the virus as well as making sure hospitals are not over-flooded with sick people so that our doctors and nurses can do the very best job they can taking care of people.

To sum it up, listening to these recommendations and orders to stay home and only go out for essential items should be seen as a selfless act of kindness to those whose immune systems are weakest. Yes, the elderly are most vulnerable, but the rate of spread this virus has shows that anyone is susceptible. And if not you, someone you love may be.

#Stayhome