COVID-19 seemed to sweep the country overnight as hurricane-like preparations have depleted shelves and caused mass apprehension about this “coronavirus.” As Floridians, we have been through quite some storms, but this invisible pandemic can be difficult to comprehend. Will the virus affect us? Why is everything cancelled if we are not at risk? These are the questions swimming through nearly every teenager’s mind as BK announced a diocese-wide closure of schools until April 15 in favor of “distance learning.” 

Though this may seem like a time to celebrate, or protest if you are an unfortunate senior looking forward to end of the year festivities; however, there are a handful of more productive things you can do to help the situation.

Hand washing

This has been stressed to no end, parodied to no end, but it is true. Hand washing is the most impactful way to stop the spread of COVID-19 according to the Center for Disease Control (CDC). This means more than a quick squirt of soap and a dash of water to wash it off— it means scrubbing between fingers, under nails around thumbs. Why is it that no one ever taught us how to properly wash our hands before? Whatever the answer may be, COVID-19 is teaching us now. It takes only 20 seconds and could make more of an impact on the spread than you think.

Social Distancing

The most dreaded and disregarded of the recommendations. People gather on beaches like it is the summertime. People hug and kiss and shake hands. As normalized as these activities may be, experts strongly advise against them. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure, so one can transmit the virus without realizing it. Even as workplaces remain open, it is important to stay distant and definitely stay home if we feel sick. This will help to flatten the exponential curve of the COVID-19 spread according to the Washington Post.

Perhaps you will not get sick. Teenagers are among the lowest risk age for contracting COVID-19, but you could easily encourage the wildfire spread of the virus and allow a domino effect to impact someone who has the potential to die from it. As soon as COVID-19 clears up, schools will be able to reopen, events rescheduled, and life can return to normal.