Do Your Job: Apropos of COVID-19

One of the indisputably dominant sports dynasties of the modern era is the New England Patriots. Head coach Bill Belichick was hired in 2000, and has since taken various methodical and efficient teams to nine Super Bowls, including a record 6 Super Bowl victories. When you consider the inter-league dynamics and unpredictability of the NFL - and any professional sport for that matter - one can't help but marvel at the prolonged success that Coach Belichick has brought to the New England franchise and fan base. How has he managed to unite athletes from incredibly diverse backgrounds in the pursuit of a common goal? Three simple words: "Do your job".

It's no secret that as April of 2020 approaches, every member of the worldwide community is enduring unprecedented times. Schools and universities are shut down, entire countries are on mandatory lockdown, and world leaders are grasping at any branch of hope as they tumble from the top, many having relished in prior economic and political success. Notwithstanding the incessant pleas of scientists and authority figures, many members of the aforementioned worldwide community are turning a blind eye to the COVID-19 pandemic, assuming selfish positions and living in denial of the unfortunate truth. Younger generations have clenched their fists around the supposition "the virus only affects old people", while older generations have gone on a crusade to drain the nation's supply of toilet paper, non-perishable food items, and hand sanitizer. This behavior is frankly egregious, inappropriate, and detrimental to the health of our community. Using Belichick's "do your job" philosophy, perhaps we can puzzle out a way to navigate through this crisis effectively and safely, each member of each generation doing their job.

COLLEGE AGE AND YOUNGER - PATIENCE AND OBEDIENCE

As a member of this demographic myself, I believe we have an incredible amount of power (and therefore responsibility) with regards to this virus. Although we most likely won't be directly responsible for discovering the cure/vaccine to the coronavirus, our job is to be patient and buy time for the brilliant minds who will. Luckily for us, the way to do this is very simple and has been described hundreds of times over the past several days. It is an unfortunate position to be in, especially as young people with a yearning for adventure and entertainment, but we are tasked with socially distancing ourselves from anyone outside our immediate circle. In theory, this drastically slows the spread of the disease, which in turn keeps the mortality rate from skyrocketing as the healthcare system won't be overwhelmed by a rapid influx in cases. Granted, our demographic is not alone in the task of social distancing, as it has been mandated for every member of society. However, college and high school students have disproportionately disobeyed the CDC's suggestions, many hardly thinking twice before following through with spring break plans or taking advantage of school being online by partying in large groups. This selfish behavior entirely compromises the success that social distancing is attempting to bring about, and aids in the rapid spread of the virus. I implore upon this generation to listen to the epidemiologists and virologists who have dedicated their lives to studying these bugs, and simply stay at home until we know more.

MATURE ADULTS - BRAVERY AND FAITH

I feel out of place attempting to give direction to those older and wiser than me, but I will say that I have been generally impressed with the way mature adults have handled the dawn of this crisis. With that being said, the biggest obstacle that this generation faces is denial. I've seen many people in this demographic entirely deny the severity of the virus, and in some cases claim the entire pandemic is a hoax meant to taint the reputation of President Trump. Whether this denial is rooted in fear, disbelief, or simple ignorance differs from person to person, but in any case, denying the words of qualified scientists and world leaders is not "doing your job". For some members of this demographic, your job may be to care for the sick and dying. Others may be working on the cure/vaccine or issuing/enforcing the mandates of government leaders. Unfortunately, many people in this category have been put out of work as a direct result of this virus, and I can offer nothing but empathy for those individuals. From those tending to the sick and dying to those trying to keep their kids from making frivolous decisions, a great deal of bravery is required of you. More than bravery though, you must have faith. If we heed the instructions of the experts and have faith in the never-failing ingenuity of humanity, we will come out of the other side stronger than we entered.

ELDERLY AND IMMUNOCOMPROMISED - ISOLATION AND FORTITUDE

Unfortunately, the data shows that this demographic is disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The amount of severe cases and mortality rates are far higher, due to the body's immune system not being able to fight off the virus. Because of this, the fate of this group lies in the hands of the previous two groups, and depend on them to do their jobs. This does not mean, however, that the elderly and immunocompromised are completely helpless. Strict isolation, whenever possible, must be practiced, and any symptoms or possible exposure to the virus should warrant an immediate visit to a doctor or testing site. Considering the tribulations that many members of this demographic have endured before this pandemic even started, I can only imagine the consternation and loneliness that would accompany isolation. Fortitude, or "courage in pain or adversity", is required for all members of humanity, but especially so for this group. If you suffer from some immunodeficiency or have lived long enough to be considered "elderly", then you have undoubtedly undergone some adversity or pain in your life, and the coronavirus is just another test of your strength. Heed the expert's warnings, be smart, and remain strong.

In conclusion, we all have a duty in the face of this worldwide crisis. Much like a football team, our best chance at success is to unite for a common goal, the eradication of this virus. Whether you are the starting quarterback or the backup kicker, you have a very unique and vital responsibility, and if you do your job, success is imminent. In the same way, every member of our global community has a responsibility. It doesn't matter if you are a college student like me, stuck at home watching online lectures, or the chief virologist of the CDC. You have a job. Do your job.