Pandemic

The situation has rapidly evolved from "it's just another form of the flu" to "oh shit a significant proportion of our population is going to die". I guess it's just another one of those unfortunate things we have to put up with in our life time. I've seen such a wide range of reaction to the COVID-19 situation I'm not sure how I'm supposed to react.

I don't feel much at all- whether it's panic or fear or excitement. Maybe it's the fact that I'm young and I feel near- invincible. I do worry significantly for a few people who I know are physically vulnerable though. Hearing the dismissive attitude of some people really upset me - "oh it only significantly affects older people and those with pre-existing comorbidities". Those people sound disposable when you frame it like that... but they're really not.

While I'm sick of hearing the words "flatten the curve" and "social distancing", part of me does grieve for people's flippant attitudes toward it. Despite this, I don't really blame our population. I just feel like our entire response as a health system has been completely uninspiring. There was a lack of information to begin with, then there was incorrect information, then there was the overwhelming sensationalism all happening at once. I'm sick of our policies being inconsistent and incomplete, I'm sick of guidelines and procedures changing every few days. I understand the situation is fluid and ever-changing, but in times like these, people need simple, clear instructions we can follow and understand. Saying "don't go out, wash your hands" is much simpler than "socially distance yourself". I'm glad the government has finally responded by forcing closure of non-essential businesses etc.

I'll be glad when this is over. I feel like my summer has been entirely ruined by bushfires, and now fall is also ruined by a viral pandemic of all things.I just want this year to end already.