What is SARS-CoV-2 ?
SARS-CoV-2 is the virus that causes the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and has caused a global pandemic in 2020.
How does SARS-CoV-2 affect our community?
This virus is highly contagious and has contributed to a global pandemic. We are now in a quarantine and local administration has implemented a Safer At Home campaign. This affects our community as many people are our of jobs, schools have closed and students are learning from home. Many community resources have been deemed nonessential and low income communities are at a disadvantage due to loss of employment, lack of access to resources and having the access and space to social distance. There is a lot of "fake news" that is being shared. Many people are not aware that the information that they are consuming is coming for an unreliable source. This affects how aware our community is and how they can properly react.
Why SARS-CoV-2 is important to me and my community?
https://coronavirus.jhu.edu/us-map
SARS-CoV-2 is important because it puts me and my community at risk. It has drastically changed everyone's day to day life and we all have to adapt accordingly. We have been told by local authority to stay at home and now we have to wear face coverings in public spaces. Residents of Los Angeles are not permitted to leave home unless it's for essential tasks until May 15th. Many children who rely on public schools for their meals are going hungry, people are furloughed or unemployed. My community is fearful for their livelihood as they do not want to get infected with the virus.
There is also a surge in xenophobia against Asian Americans as President Trump has referred to SARS-CoV-2 as the "Chinese virus." Many Asian Americans have reported acts of racism when out in public.
Who does SARS-CoV-2 impact?
Anyone can be infected with the virus but the following are at high-risk for severe illness for COVID-19:
- people 65 + years and older
- those who live in a nursing home or long-term care facility
- people with chronic lung disease or moderate to severe asthma
- people who have serious heart conditions
- people who are immunocompromised
- people with are severely obese (BMI of 40 or higher)
- people with diabetes
- people with kidney or liver disease
Agencies are exploring other determinants of health as there are many social and environmental factors that contribute to poor health outcomes in regards to COVID-19.
What can we do to combat SARS-CoV-2?
STAY AT HOME AND PRACTICE SOCIAL DISTANCING
Interviews
In lieu of in-person interviews, I asked members of my close personal network to reflect on how COVID-19 has affected them and their community. The following are their responses."Covid-19 has affected me in certain aspects. My wedding was cancelled, which had the biggest impact, but we planned an alternate, small social distancing wedding that was just as wonderful. We can’t go to restaurants and socialize with our friends in person, we can’t travel, we can’t go to the beach on this warm sunny day.. My community seems like they are doing the same, staying home and all social aspects of life have halted.
Yet I am still living and doing my best to stay safe and positive."
- Mandy, Customer Service Admin
"I live in what feels a small big town. It seems that just two degrees of separation encompass the population. We’ve succumbed to social media as a way to connect, and connect we have: old friendships renewed, acquaintances become your most fervent cheerleaders. We’re all struggling together and holding each other up."
- Cecilia, Financial Services Supervisor
"As an undergrad, internships are really important to build networks and gain experience. Unfortunately, with the COVID19, I was only able to experience couple months and now that school is almost over, without much experience i have to go out and find a job. COVID19 has affected my community but I felt like parts of my community have improved by sharing nonperishables and organic vegetables with each other, getting donations of fabrics to make masks, and reminding everyone to wash their hands, cover their mouths, & distance themselves."
- Raymond, CSULA Public Health Student
"Corona virus has affected me, my family, and my community in a rather negative way. For me, it has created more obstacles and has hindered my progress in obtaining licenses needed to advance in my career. My job has temporarily closed down until further notice and has led me to question the security of my finances. My dad who suffers from a complex medical condition is now having a difficult time obtaining the medication that he regularly needs. A lot of small business around my neighborhood are closing for good because they do not have the necessary funds to keep their business open. Including some businesses that a few of my family members work for. Neighbors and family who are still required to go to work are now leaving their jobs so that they don’t run the risk of infecting their children or other family members."
- Ismael, Sales Associate
"Covid 19 has effected the lives of people in my community and the ability to leave our homes to do things like go to work or go to the grocery store to put food on the table. The trivial things in life, like walking our dogs or going out to eat food we are in the mood for have turned into a life threatening risk. As for me, I am no longer able to work as a dental assistant and although my parents support me in many ways, going from a constant source of income to no income has effected my abilities to contribute in my family."
- Jessica, Health Sciences student, Dental Assistant
"It’s been an adjustment to say the least. From works hours reduced to furloughed until the unforeseeable future. The silver lining has been seeing the community come together to help each other. Never thought I’d be trading toilet paper and oatmeal with coworkers!"
- Katrina, Optical Supervisor
"Covid-19 has impacted me emotionally because it took away something I have worked so hard for. Graduation was one special event I was looking forward to since 2016. It is devastating to know that dealing with this pandemic is our reality. This virus has also impacted my community immensely because many people are facing unemployment and are experiencing chronic stress for not being able to afford paying rent and buying food to survive." - Monica, Student Intern
"As the hours become days and days become weeks, I'm slowly adjusting to the temporary norm. The norm you may ask consists of work, school, and simply living in my 648 sq Ft apartment by myself. Coming from an extravert, let just say my world is currently upside down. I was in the middle of making a massive transition in my career, searching for something that would fit my ideals and lifestyle. Unfortunately, I have put this hold due to our volatile economy. Some days may seem like I go crazy living alone, but lucky for me, I have a very well-knit group of friends that continuously check up on me: via Social Media, Video Conferencing, or by delivering care packages to me. For them, I am thankful, but on the other hand, I think about the people that live alone and don't have the support for them my heartbreaks." - Eberardo, Operations Manager
"There’s a lot of fear, stress, and uncertainty that comes with this pandemic that me, my family, and the community feels. It not only affects our physical health but also manages to test our mental health, available resources, and the health system. We should continue to practice prevention and navigate those in need of resources. Stay hopeful and kind." — Shane, Community Outreach Coordinator at Cedars-Sinai Cancer Center
"Coronavirus has greatly reduced all community that I belong too. However, something extraordinary emerged and I become a member of digital community. One in particular has been with my employment. I maintained my employment but was greatly reduced on hours becoming partially furloughed. As an introvert I don't mind the solitude but I do find it lonely not being able to go on trails and beaches." - Daniela, Customer Service Supervisor
Personal Reflections
In conclusion, please keep updated on the current status of your local ordinances. Stay safe and home and practice social distancing. Be kind and compassionate because everyone is going through trials and tribulations. Try and be positive and get creative in your outlets. Stay hopeful and positive. Together, we can get through this!I'd like to leave a list of resources that might be helpful during this time of quarantine:
COVID-19 Resources
CSULA COVID-19 Resources
LA County DMH COVID-19 Mental Health Resources
LA County COVID-19 Resources
Webinars from American Association College of Nursing
Link: https://www.aacnnursing.org/Professional-Development/Online-Learning/Webinars/COVID19-Webinar-Series
One Degree
Summary: A guide that’s a quick and effective reference to resources you might need during this period regarding COVID-19
John Hopkins Visual Map - COVID-19 cases
450 Free Ivy League university courses you can take online
Social Apps during COVID-19
Houseparty
Link: https://houseparty.com/
Play games with friends and videochat.
Airtime
Link: https://www.airtime.com/
Watch movies, videos, shows and more with the people you love, in real time.
& if you have a Nintendo Switch, I personally recommend playing Animal Crossing, New Horizons
Share memes with your friends! Watch The Office on Netflix! Try and find comedic relief and wind down.
References
ABC 7. (2020, April 9). Coronavirus: Black residents of LA County disproportionately affected by COVID-19, early data shows. Retrieved April 15, 2020, from https://abc7.com/los-angeles-county-coronavirus-covid-19-in-the-black-community/6087896/
City of Los Angeles. (2020, April 6). City of Los Angeles expanding access to free COVID-19 testing to more LA County Residents. Retrieved April 15, 2020, from https://dpw.lacity.org/blog/city-los-angeles-expanding-access-free-covid-19-testing-more-la-county-resident
Money, L., Fry, H., Serna, J., Luna, T., & Nelson, L. J. (2020, April 9). 25 more die in L.A. County as California coronavirus fatalities soar past 500. Retrieved April 15, 2020, from https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2020-04-09/california-coronavirus-deaths-soar-past-500-during-a-tough-week
UCLA. (2020, April). Coronavirus Information. Retrieved April 15, 2020, from https://www.uclahealth.org/coronavirus
Zia, H. (2020, April 2). Opinion | Targeting Asians and Asian Americans will make it harder to stop covid-19. Retrieved April 15, 2020, from https://www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/2020/04/02/targeting-asians-asian-americans-will-make-it-harder-stop-covid-19/
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