COVID-19, commonly referred to as the Corona Virus, is a pandemic that has managed to become the talk of every news outlet and media publication because of the illness’ disastrous effects worldwide. According to the Center for Disease Control, the respiratory illness has infected more than 140,000 Americans and has taken the lives of 2,405 Americans. The disease has left many shocked, stunned and confused about what lies ahead in the next few months in lieu of President Trump extending the social distancing guidelines until April 30th. The virus has left many Americans out of work, school, without a sense of normality.
Generation X, Millennials, and Gen.Z have taken to various social media platforms to express their thoughts and feelings on how they are staying safe, their coping mechanisms, and how they are acclimating to the new normal in an on-the-go America. However, there seems to be little coverage on Corona through the eyes of Boomers, so here are the thoughts and experiences of 5 Boomers.
Shirley Jester, a Georgia native who lives in the southwest part of the state in a hotspot city virus, feels that the virus has been a blessing and a curse simultaneously.
Jester said, “As a three-time cancer survivor, the virus makes me really nervous because I can’t afford to contract anything because my immune system is not the strongest. But, I really miss my family coming to see me, but they can’t. On the bright side, I am happy that I can talk to them for long periods of time on the phone because everyone is home now.”
When asked about the CoronaVirus shopping frenzy, Jester shared that it is frustrating seeing Americans clearing the shelves in the store.
“ I was in the store shopping for a few items when a shopper almost knocked me over for the last two loaves of bread on the shelves. At first I felt frustrated at how rude the shopper was to me, but then I realized everyone is scared. I wish people were nicer to 76 year olds.”
Evelyn Hayes, a membership sales associate for Costco, affirms the claims of Jester.
Hayes proclaimed, “When I see people shopping around the store, I see fear of the unknown, survival of the fittest, and most of all for self attitudes. It is deeply saddening. However, I am glad to see that more stores are accommodating seniors with senior shopping hours and are placing restrictions on food and water.”
In addition, Cynthia Young, a quarantined traveler returning from Dubai, feels that is bigger than all of us.
Young said, “These are trying times for us all. If we all pull together and follow the mandated orders, I am hopeful that things will return to a new normal.”
In the midst of the madness, Hayes believes we must stay calm.
She said, “We cannot live in fear. This requires local, regional, national and global cooperation. We must strike a careful balance of only leaving home when necessary and remaining hopeful through every circumstance.”
Many boomers are staying calm and casting fear aside through their faith and prayer.
Alfred and Mary Cason, residents of Vidalia, feel that too shall pass and remind others that this isn’t the first event of this kind.
They said, “Faith and fear cannot exist in the same sentence. We place our trust in God because this is a plague. God saw us through then and will see us through now. No weapon formed against us shall prosper. Everything will be okay; we have seen worst days. Soon the sun will shine.”
For more information about COVID-19, check out regular updates from the CDC.
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