Just Because You Can Does Not Mean You Should
By INGRID KRISHNAN ‘22
At camp a few summers ago, I overheard a conversation between two of my fellow campers that went something like this:
“Dude. Do you dare me to stick this paper clip into the outlet over there?”
“That doesn’t sound like a good idea.”
“C’mon, it’s not covered up or anything. There would be a sign or something if we couldn’t do it. And there isn’t, so we probably can. It’ll be fun, what could go wrong?”
A lot, apparently. After some sparks, screams, and a strict talking-to from a counselor, I came to the following conclusion: just because you can do something, that doesn’t mean you should. Sure, there wasn’t a clearly marked sign above the outlet saying “DO NOT STICK A PAPERCLIP IN HERE,” but those campers still didn’t make the smart or right decision.
Flash forward to today. Since cases of coronavirus have plateaued, more and more states have begun to open up and return to semi-normal life. But should we rush to get haircuts or go to the beach just because these activities are now legal and “safe”? I believe that the answer is no.
To start, President Trump’s response to the pandemic has clearly been lacking. He has repeatedly gone against the suggestions of Dr. Fauci, a leading member of the White House Coronavirus Task Force, and continues to make choices that will benefit the United States’ economy over the people in the long term. The economic collapse that coronavirus initiated may also motivate some state governors to reopen, as they disregard the current state of the virus. Certainly, many state officials have considered the human costs of reopening prematurely, but blindly trusting those in power is not, in my opinion, the way that we should approach reopening. In my initial example, the campers who stuck the paperclip into the outlet assumed that someone in power would set rules and regulations for them. By expecting consistent guidelines, they failed to use common sense and think for themselves, which led to disaster.
Another issue with immediately trying to return to normal life is the spike of cases in states that have reopened. According to the Washington Post, various places in the south-- including Dallas, Houston, and coastal Florida-- are in danger of a second wave of cases because they chose to reopen their economies. In Colfax County, Nebraska, the cases rose by a staggering 1390% after reopening. By using cellphone data, researchers predicted that those spikes could have been avoided without such a harsh reopening. When people immediately disregard social distancing just because restrictions have been eased, coronavirus comes back, and harsh restrictions will likely be necessary yet again to reduce the spread of the virus.
While I’m not suggesting we live in fear until scientists release a vaccine, I strongly suggest using common sense in this time of transition back to normal life. For example, thousands of Massachusetts residents flocked to the beach on that warm Friday before Memorial Day weekend without masks or the proper social distancing mindset. Though going to the beach is fun, especially after the monotonous two and a half months that we have been stuck at home, jumping at the opportunity to get some sun in such a crowded place, without coronavirus under control, is not the best idea in the long run. Obviously, not every person who went to the beach that day got sick, but our public health in the long term will suffer if people continue to disregard basic social distancing guidelines. Another aspect that people must consider is how at-risk those around them are. For example, if you live with an elderly relative, now might not be the best time to get a haircut at a busy salon. Again, at the end of the day, each individual must decide how closely they will continue to follow social distancing guidelines as we begin to return to normal life.
Is the reward greater than the risk? For some, yes; for others, no. In terms of public health and safety, it is better in the long term to continue social distancing. I know that hanging out with a big group of friends is fun, but it will be even better once you can do so safely. In order to properly contain the spread of coronavirus as the country begins to reopen, it is key that everyone understands their part in keeping our communities healthy. Please be smart. Please be safe. And, please, do not stick a paperclip into an electrical outlet.