May 14, 2020

I have dreamed of the days I am with my parents and friends, tasting the gourmet food in China and bringing my kids to visit some historic points in China. But these were broken up by the COVID-19 suddenly. Everyone in the world is amid in this pandemic: shelter in place, wash hands frequently, disinfect everything carefully and shop online to keep ourselves away from the virus. The infected and death cases in America are still going up, there is still no strong signal to see the curve going to flat so far. No one knows when normal life will come back.
Eric, my closet friend, who is an import and exporter agent, now works from home and says that “Due to the pandemic, nearly all countries have implemented shutdown on its respective borders and impose tight control on arrival foreigners and immigrants, to contain the virus spread-out. It seemed to me that the globalization prior to the pandemic might not be returned to its level as it was previously. Financial stimulus measurements initiated to individuals and businesses would eventually result in staggering debts in both sectors, and inflation and bankruptcy will follow once the stimulus stops. Holding onto what you have in your pockets would be the choice for everyone.” Some people lost their job, some work from home, the economic recession is obviously unavoidable. Facing the current situation, one should choose to shop wisely. However, a big crisis is a double-bladed sword: Amazon benefits the most from this outbreak, while Instacart turns deficit to profit. We all hope after the lift of shelter in place, the recession will not last long.

This pandemic let me realize the true identity of the nation and political leaders, where they value their own benefits or reputation higher than the lives of others. Although this outbreak has interrupted my weekly routine of exercising, I can easily make it up by jogging every day. Other than that, this coronavirus did not disrupt my plans to the future as much as it would do to the others. It has been long screen time and short socializing time.

My son, a sophomore at high school describes his coronavirus-based life and his view about the pandemic. His normal school life has been broken up by the pandemic. He sticks to study and exercise every day. Keeping himself busy is his way to prevent himself from being anxious or paranoid during the lockdown.

Humankind experiences many disasters, however, with scientists’ intelligence and effort, it turns out that we will eventually overcome the virus. COVID-19 is not the first time human beings have encountered a pandemic; it is not the last either. Life is not easy. Stay safe, enjoy the time with your family.