COVID-19: No Them, Just Us

As you finally get away from the sinking ship and are huddling in the little lifeboat adrift in the middle of the ocean, you notice a person sitting near you with a drill. They are drilling into the floor of the boat! You are shocked and yell at them, “You can’t do that, you’ll sink the ship! We’ll all drown!” The person looks up at you with a sneer and says, “What do you care, it is my seat!”

 

During this time of crisis, it is increasingly evident that individual actions have far-reaching community consequences. It is frightening that some stranger, because they do not take precautions could start a chain reaction that would affect hundreds of people – or more.

People are weary of sheltering at home and are struggling economically. It is unsurprising that some are celebrating as states reopen.  There is no doubt that people can’t stay at home if they can’t feed their families.

 

There you have it.

 

If people can’t feed their families, they can’t stay at home. If they leave their homes to work, we risk spreading this disease and hurting everyone. Therefore, it benefits all of us to support people who need assistance! Helping the needy benefits the entire community.

 

We need everyone to be safe and fed at home. It isn’t just about THEM. It is important to US! Or more succinctly, there is no them, there is only us.

 

Similarly, if people are scared to call health professionals because they can’t afford to pay, they are more likely to ignore illness or go to work sick. Everyone should be able to call a doctor if they are ill. If they do not do so, the community at large is at risk. Universal healthcare benefits all of us.

 

The term herd immunity is in the news a great deal. Herd immunity means that, when a great enough percentage of the population is immune to an illness, those who are not immune are protected because the odds of someone giving them the illness are small. But in order to create that percentage, everyone must have access to health care, vaccines, and doctors. The whole herd is in the boat; we are all adrift in this storm. Our well being is inextricably linked to everyone else’s.

 

What does it mean to be a member of a community? What does it mean to be a member of a family? A family is a smaller community. It means that our lives and our welfare are interconnected. It means that we sink or swim together! It means that our choices, for better or for worse, affect the whole – even when we are not aware of it. It means taking responsibility for this awesome responsibility. It means making mature and measured decisions that acknowledge the far-reaching impact of our seeming personal choices.

 

Americans love their independence. We want the freedom to do what we want to do, virus be damned. No one gets to tell us what to do! But that freedom comes with a price and an obligation. It isn’t free and it isn’t without limits.

 

As citizens, we must participate in our communities. This goes way beyond voting, jury duty, or even paying taxes. Most of us would sacrifice for our families and friends. Most of us would rush them to the hospital, give them money and support, and deny our own needs to meet theirs. This is what we need to do now for the health and well being of our community and country.

 

Sheltering in place is not simple. Masks are not comfortable. Staying home is problematic. For reasons too long to list here, for many, it is beyond challenging.

 

However, no one may drill a hole in a seat. If they do, we all go down. Therefore, we must make sure that everyone’s seat is safe and secure. We must make sure that everyone has enough of everything. We must make sure that everyone has access to healthcare. We must take care of everyone or more people will become sick and die.

 

I want to get my haircut, go to a restaurant, and attend family gatherings. I can’t right now. I am privileged to have enough money to stay home and not worry about my family’s basic needs. Both individuals and our governments must take deliberate and thoughtful actions to make sure that everyone can safely stay home – and for those who are doing jobs that are essential like doctors, first responders, grocery workers, and others – we as a community must ensure that they are also safe on the ship! Without them, we will not survive the voyage.

 

Protesters who are flaunting distancing and shut down orders are endangering everyone. They are drilling holes in their seats and endangering the ship that is rescuing our children, parents, and all whom we hold dear.

 

This is not about rights or being told what to do. It is about duty, responsibility, and safety. We, not them, must choose to protect each other. We, not them, are sacrificing in order to save each other. Everyone must participate. Everyone must give to save all of us. And everyone must do their part.