In the year 2020, novel coronavirus (COVID-19) is a global pandemic for a couple of weeks. New York State has been encouraging quarantining since Monday of last week. Restaurants are only offering takeout and delivery. Bars and stores are closed. All “non-essential” businesses are closed.

So what have I been doing?

School was closed on Friday, March 13th to clean and disinfect the building. This is only day 6 (as of this writing). As for myself there was nothing for me to do except eat, sleep, go on a run, play some video games. Now, thanks to distance learning, I can keep myself occupied for a while. I usually take walks when it’s nice outside, when there is nothing to do at home.

So how do I prepare myself to stop the spread of coronavirus?

1.Keep social distancing
The CDC states that we need to keep at least 6 feet in distance from other people to help stop the spread of COVID-19. Even if you are sick, avoid other people to ensure that you don’t spread any viruses or diseases to other people.
2. Wash Your Hands
You should wash your hands often for at least 20 seconds. Make sure you don’t touch your face as well. The easiest way for germs, and the coronavirus to spread is on hard surfaces like doorknobs, tables, and everyday household items. Make sure to wipe those areas down with a disinfectant, like Clorox Wipes or Lysol, after every use.

Alright, I do these things everyday, what about my family?
Look out for family members who are elderly and who have any conditions like a heart or lung problem. Elders and people who have previous heart or lung problems are more exposed to the virus.

What about the media? They have been scaring me lately.
For some of us the media is making us more panicked than prepared. If this is you, avoid anything from news websites. Look for posts from medical professionals as well as the World Health Organization, and the CDC.

So what now?
Yes, I know this is a lot to take in during this time. This will be a story that we will tell our children in the future. Just have hope in yourself and follow these useful tips. The way we end this virus, is by us, the people. As once said in a Star Wars film, “Hope is like the sun. If you only believe in it when you can see it, you’ll never make it through the night.” Stay safe and wash your hands.

For more information visit these websites.
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html

https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019