Perhaps it is just me, working in schools for 14 years now, but I have become used to the comings and goings of the flu season. In all my years, however, I have never seen anything quite like the Coronavirus 19 flu. Coronavirus has been around for years, and many of the chemicals I use at work list it as a priority target. It wasn't until now, however, that this little bug has gotten a lot of attention, and subsequently, people have lost their minds over it.
I am sure by now many people know the stories, about shoppers hoarding toilet paper and other paper goods. This run on product confuses me because what good is toilet paper against a virus like this? Next, is the touching aspect. People are afraid to handshake or do anything close. In reality, we deal with flu that is far more deadly every year than this one is and yet it doesn't provoke nearly this response.
That is not to diminish it, this is a very contagious disease, and like all things it should be treated seriously. On a personal level I have noticed some of my own habits change, but I'm not buying a Costco truck sized van full of toilet paper over this. My worries come from deep cleaning a school site, keeping fellow co-workers safe and happy (not easy when teachers immediately freak out and start eyeing our own stock of toilet paper). I've had several conversations, remaining calm and explaining the facts, but its like some people want to expect he worst.
Whatever the case, this is going to be a flu season for the ages, and what I hope is that it highlights the importance of cleanliness in schools and common everyday activities. Then again, chances are people will go right back to normal as if this never happened until the next scare.
Whatever the case, this is going to be a flu season for the ages, and what I hope is that it highlights the importance of cleanliness in schools and common everyday activities. Then again, chances are people will go right back to normal as if this never happened until the next scare.