Still Going Out & Not Taking the Coronavirus Pandemic Seriously? Here's Why This Is Not a Get-Out-of-Jail-Free Card, Folks by Pilar Clark

"Go out if you feel like it! YOLO!"

"Well, I don't really want the flu, but I can't be expected to stop living my life."

"We've been waiting for this night out for months! If we're about to be stuck in the house with our kids for the next three to four weeks there's no way we're not going out tonight."

"So, what's everyone going to do with their kids while they're out of school? Any advice on places to go?"

"We're about to have all the sleepovers and playdates for the next three weeks! Come and hang out! We have booze!"

"You need to take care of yourself mentally, so if you need a day out, go out! Boost your immune system with some vitamin C, rub on some essential oils, wash your hands a lot, and most importantly, have fun!"

I'm frustrated. Really frustrated. These are real comments posted by real people in social media communities I frequent, and what it's telling me is that FOLKS STILL AREN'T GETTING IT.

I'm not understanding why. We are on the front lines of a coronavirus battle, and our trenches are not even halfway dug yet.

• This is not the flu.
• This is not a vacation from school.
• This is not a get-out-of-jail-free card.
• This is not something that won't affect us if we ignore it.

As a mother of two myself, can I offer some advice? JUST STAY HOME.

There is sound reasoning behind all the closures and cancellations, and it doesn't mean getting everyone together for playdates and drinks. We need to flatten the curve. It's going to take hard work and some sacrifices by everyone, but I still believe we can do it if we're willing to put our own wants aside in favor of the needs of all.

To those saying this is all an overreaction, I say it's an under reaction. We need to be preventative, not reactive.

To those saying it's all mass paranoia, I say a little paranoia could seriously lessen the larger impact.

None of us have lived through anything like this before, and while there are some who have experienced shortages and lockdowns while living during wartime or under socialist regimes, this is new for the majority of Americans.

We cannot follow the "you do you" mentality, lest we find ourselves living what must feel like a dystopian reality for our Spanish and Italian cousins. Our health-care system has only so much bandwidth to deal with an influx of the sick, and right now, health-care professionals must feel like the musicians who took it upon themselves to stay on the deck of the Titanic as it was going down.

Instead of socializing, practice social distancing. 

• Take this time batten down the hatches and play board games with your family.

• See what's on Netflix and have a movie night on the couch with some popcorn.

• Marie Kondo the house.

• Put the kids to bed early and have a romantic evening in with your person, however that looks for you.

• Get a workspace ready for your kids' upcoming e-learning. 

Acting responsibly now will afford us the time to go out and have fun later. 

Right now, my priority is protecting myself, my children, my father, my relatives, my students, my neighbors, my job and the economy. So take my advice or don't. But understand that coronavirus is spreading like the Australian wildfires did – quickly, unpredictably and inevitably. 

Why wouldn't you do what you can?

The information on 30Seconds.com is for informational and entertainment purposes only, and should not be considered medical advice. The information provided through this site should not be used to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease, and is not a substitute for professional care. Always consult your personal healthcare provider.

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