No one likes being restricted. We enjoy being free and doing what pleases us, especially our generation of youth, Gen Z. For many months, we have been missing our friends and family. We miss going out to stores, having sleepovers, going to parties with friends, but this sacrifice is important during these times. Our government needs us to sacrifice these things so we can get through this pandemic and completely stop the spread of COVID-19. It’s a big change and shift in our day-to-day lives, becoming more noticeable as the months pass.
Image is courtesy of Wix.
Here’s the thing, many of us are going out anyway. Many of us are still going out with friends. We are still planning to meet up with others to go to their house, to get something to eat, just to be in close proximity and often without masks. People are getting incredibly sick, and just because you are not experiencing symptoms does not mean you don’t have it. Not everyone will experience symptoms. So, by going out with others, we’re increasing the possibility of spreading COVID. Why are we still going out? Do some of us have the mindset that “I probably won’t get it and neither will they”? Why risk that? COVID-19 does not pick and choose. It’ll come for you if you give it a chance.
We all miss our friends, goofing around with them, getting a bite to eat with them, having sleepovers, going to parties. It was an abrupt change in our schedules when the pandemic hit. We have learned a lot about this virus over the months. One thing we know for sure is that it’s contagious. That’s why we’re being told to only go out for essential reasons. Hanging out with friends is not one of those reasons. For many parts of the country, like Ontario, we still had the opportunity to see some of our friends during in-person classes. We still had the opportunity to see people in person and feel the familiarity of walking through the halls and seeing a few teachers. Now with virus cases rising, many school boards have transitioned to virtual learning, and it might stay like that if things stay the same or get worse.
Image is courtesy of Wix.
It’s not only our generation that is a factor in the rise of COVID cases, but if we follow the social distancing rules, government rules, wear a mask, and stay home, we limit the spread of the virus, and we might be able to see our friends sooner than we think. Be wise, wear a mask and stay home as much as possible.
Article Author: Alizeh Qaiser
Article Editors: Stephanie Sahadeo, Victoria Huang