3rd COVID-19 Surge Across America

We have been at this Covid virus for about 9 months now. Last Spring there was the first surge of cases that shut down America's economy, schools, and worship gatherings. In the summer time there was another wave of cases which put many more lives at risk. Yet again we are on the third surge and it is the worst yet. Every state is being affected by this surge in both rural and urban parts of each state. There is nowhere to hide from this surge and I fear that it is not over yet. 

In my home state of Kentucky, Governor Beshear has had to implement new restrictions in an effort to allay the rising amount of cases and deaths that is gripping our home. These new restrictions include limiting gatherings, cancelling church services, eliminating indoor eating at restaurants, and putting school off until after the holidays. With the implementation of these crucial steps many are hopeful that it will bring the virus to its knees just in time for a vaccine to arrive. 

Although this virus is hitting Kentucky fairly hard, it is in no comparison to larger states that are to the West and North of us. In North Dakota there are so many that have fallen ill and died that refrigeration trucks have had to be called in to hold the deceased because the morgues are piling up far too quickly. Also, in El Paso there are so many cases that even hospitals are beginning to fill up to maximum capacity. This surge in cases is leaving many clinics to close because there are not enough providers to cover for those that have fallen prey to the virus. 

All of the efforts that are being put forth are to try and hold out for a soon awaited vaccine that is in the near future. Currently, there are two main vaccinations that are being considered and hopefully being accepted to use to aid in the destruction of this virus. For now, many are trying to stay isolated from others and are following the guidelines so that they can hopefully escape this virus alive. 

U.S. battles coronavirus surge as cases surpass 10 million

Finding Ways to Stay Connected

 I was a senior when the pandemic began, it was a harsh ending to our school year and I didn't get to see my friends as often as I wanted. We all understood and knew that it couldn't be helped but it didn't make the situation any less difficult. My friends and I found a way to have the most amazing times together even in the midst of the pandemic. 

We threw a Friend Prom since we didn't get to have our senior prom and it was remarkable. My friends that I hadn't seen in a few months came to my home and we all got dressed up and had a grand party. There were lots of food, laughs, and reminiscing on our high school days. I believe that the most fun part about that night was that we didn't have to go anywhere fancy to enjoy each others company. 

Now that we have begun college it has been a big change since my friends have all split into different directions. That hasn't stopped us from seeing each other and trying to get together whenever we can. When college first began we were meeting up almost every weekend or at the least every other weekend to stay connected. Today we are still going strong and are planning to have a bonfire and outdoor movie for Halloween, and even a friendsgiving and Christmas gift exchange. 

I believe that these scenarios among the many others have shown my friends and I that we don't always have to be together to hold each other in a dear place in our hearts. That no matter how long we are apart at college we can always meet back up and pick up where we left off. That is the beautiful thing about having such a tight knit group of friends who you have known for so many years! Times are different but our friendships will never change or fail even though we are in a world pandemic. 

Graduation

Friend Prom!

A Great Night

Vaccine Politics

Fears COVID-19 vaccine could become powerful card in world politics | ABC News

There are many what-ifs about COVID-19 that can be quickly thrown about and dwelled upon. One thing that has been a heavy debate and what-if topic how will the dispersion of a vaccine scratch at festered and infected sores of the past and present among nations. For instance, if China develops the holy grail of a vaccine. They may be angry at the American government for the recent trade and tariff upheaval that has most recently occurred. It has been warned that Americans could have potentially another 100,000 COVID-19 deaths, so this China may want us to suffer for the grief that was thrown upon them during the conflict from the past. This could leave America and any other enemies of China stricken with Covid for however long China may choose. And since China has a growing economic influence in places like southeast Asia and Africa that would prohibit them from sharing the vaccine as well, leaving the world's hands tied. 

That scenario would result in a monstrous power shift causing many people to remain ill or die. China or the superior vaccine country would have all the power, while the weaker vaccine countries are at their mercy. If this power shifts, the rivaling nations must be prepared to come to some sort of agreement or else be at the superior nations mercy. There is without a doubt a controversy that could debate the different scenarios but in the end I hope that all the countries can find their humanity and help the health of the world to overcome this virus. 

Covid vaccines and global cooperation

 As the United States and the entire globe is nearing the promised time that Covid-19 vaccines will be available there are many global factors to consider. There have been many "hands in the pot" when it comes to the creation and development of the vaccine and there will be that many "hands" wishing to grasp the vaccine once produced. One country alone is not responsible for solely creating the vaccination nor will they be in the distribution. One factor to consider when creating the vaccination is the amount of money it took to create. Many countries around the world have contributed exhausting amounts of money toward the development of a cure for Covid-19. The vaccine will also have to be distributed globally but not in just a harsh grasping manner, rather in an equitable one. This is the area where citizens in a global perspective will have to be patient and forgiving so that everyone has a chance to become immunized. Globalization also plays a large part in the transportation of the newly constructed drug. In order to have enough vaccines for all the citizens of the world, it will have to be transported carefully and gently so as to keep the medicine safe. This will take cooperation from the citizens of the towns and countries to realize that everyone will be taken care of, they just have to be willing to cooperate. I understand that this is hard to do when they know that their lives are at stake but it will take everyone working together as a whole to make sure that everyone receives the vaccination in an equitable way. Many different countries and people had an impact on the creation and construction of the vaccine so everyone must have the opportunity to receive the medication. The distribution of the injections will have to be calm and put together in a way that the individuals in most dire of need for the shot will receive it first and the individuals after will have to patiently await their turn. It will take everyone working together as one people to keep everyone safe and healthy from this deadly outbreak.

The Challenges of Vaccine Distribution | Global Citizen Explains

Coronavirus vaccine: Is it every country for itself? 

COVID-19's Affect on Education

When many school systems shut down in March they decided to implement online class methods known as non-traditional instruction (NTI). This is a method that many Kentucky children were very aware of seeing as how many school districts used this method of instruction for snow and sick days in the past. This style of teaching is meant to review what had been previously learned in order to refresh students knowledge. Now they were being revised to teach new content in light of the pandemic. This caused a scrambling of content and many students were forced to learn totally new concepts on their own with a lesson that was pasted online. Many students, like me and my peers, were taking college level classes and we needed extra help to learn the advanced content. It was very difficult to retain the new and daunting information form the online maze. To simply put the matter, online learning was not my friend in high school. I rarely learned anything because it was all about get the work done and not have to worry about it. This off the wall learning wounded my knowledge for college because being in college level courses were supposed to help me learn college level material. However, this was not the case and I fear that my education was lessened due to the pandemic. This may make it harder on the seniors that graduated last year because the content we should have learned in high school to prepare for college is vacant within our memory. But our teachers were always there to help us with our questions even with the content that was being thrown at us through zoom meetings.

I believe that there should be a hardship clause for students impacted by Covid. Students have been through so much this past year in the midst of COVID-19. It is a year that no single person could have predicted which means that everyone is still learning as we continue along. Learning had to be altered at a blink of an eye and rapid speeds that it posed many conflicts to both instructors and students. A hardship clause would be able to help give students a moment to breathe and catch up to speed with the status of their education. However, I believe that just because students are being given an inch that they should not take advantage of the opportunities given. There should still be consequences if there is repeated defiance of the learning systems. In order to practice this clause fairly there should be constant monitoring of all the students progress and whether or not they are struggling or just not doing their work. After all students are there to receive an education and should not be given a free ride through school in light of the circumstances. 

It is true that the pandemic has changed all aspects of life and we are not pleased with some of the circumstances. Everyone is still learning more and more about the virus and I believe that all situations are different in various countries. It is up to the leaders of those countries to monitor the pandemic status and change their course of action when needed to protect the citizens and the nation's stability. 

Video Representing Struggles of Education In COVID-19 

Case Spike In Mercer County, Kentucky

 I have grown up and currently live in Mercer County. It is a smaller town compared to Lexington with about 21,774 residents. Since the beginning of the school year there has been much controversy across the state of Kentucky about different issues such as: returning to sports, returning to school, and the wearing of face masks. It has been about 7 months since the "beginning" of the pandemic and shutdowns. It is understandable that many people are tired of the restrictions that have been inflicted on them and their families. However, the status of the pandemic will never improve without the wearing of face masks and the social distancing guidelines. Sadly many people still don't grasp that concept and want to do what they want to do, when they want to do it. This has caused our county to take a huge spike in cases due to the defiance of the guidelines set forth by the Governor and local officials. The spike into the red zone has caused the beginning of in person classes to be pushed back week by week 2 consecutive times. It has caused my brother, Nolan, and his teammates to lose over a weeks worth of play and practice time in soccer and all other sports were the same. If people are not prepared to follow the rules then it negatively affects everyone around them and puts innocent citizens at risk for contracting the virus. I urge every person to follow the rules because it does affect the life and death of others. 

UK Core Issue: How Do We Distribute Covid Vaccines?

Many residents in Kentucky, the USA, and the world are wondering when a vaccine will soon come to our aid. There is still no timeline yet due to the ongoing testing of a few potential vaccine candidates. That certainly doesn't mean that elected health officials shouldn't be planning in advance for when a vaccine is available. Throughout the distribution of the vaccine there will be many questions risen such as: the quantity of vaccines, the most targeted population to receive the vaccine, and how to avoid chaos during distribution. All of these concerns are valid and a plan must be developed before the vaccine is distributed in order to limit potential conflict. 

In order to know how to distribute the vaccine, I believe that the first issue that should be taken into consideration is who will obtain the vaccination if there is limited quantity. There is still a lot to discover about COVID-19 but what scientists do know is that individuals that are 65 years and older have a weaker immune system to fight off infections. Also, most individuals that are 65 and older live in nursing homes where social isolation and infection control is difficult. Therefore I would begin by giving the vaccination ot the elderly and then reviewing the quantity of supplies available. The other group that is most vulnerable to the virus are the healthcare and public safety workers. Therefore, I would provide the vaccination to them at their workplace. If there were more vaccinations on hand then I would provide it to young children because, although it thought not to be true, children are also susceptible to the virus after evidence from the recent infection statistics. This would be the most logical way to sift through the most vulnerable groups and decide who will receive the vaccine. 

After extinguishing the questions of who will receive the vaccination first, then there is the issue of how to distribute it. As far as nursing homes are concerned, I believe that there should be teams covering certain care centers and then distributing the vaccine to residents at those facilities. After all the facilities have received the vaccine then I would contact all other residents that do not live in nursing homes and then provide the vaccination to them. When it came time to hand out the vaccination to the general public then I would set up distribution centers all across town and notify each person on which center they were assigned to so to prevent confusion and over burdening on a certain center. 

Although this is a thought out plan, there are other factors that need to be considered such as: what if the vaccine supply runs out, what if citizens get angry that their health was put in line behind others, etc. The only solution I have to these particular conflicts is that the only number of citizens that are contacted are the only number of vaccines available. This would limit the crowds and conflict if the vaccine supply was depleted. Although getting selfish and frustrated is human nature, I would ask that everyone remain calm because everyone will be treated. If this didn't dissuade the public then I would call on the public safety teams to help protect the workers handing out the vaccines and the vaccination supply. There are still so many unanswered what-ifs but I believe that this is as good of place as any to begin the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines. 

CDC unveils coronavirus vaccine distribution plan

Fun In the Midst of the Pandemic

 Although COVID-19 hasn't been relatively easy on anyone, there are always different options to make a bad situation a little more tolerable. These options include: memes, funny videos, heartful photos, and having fun with family. This is the first pandmeic where technology is readily available and it enhances our communication with other even though we are shut in a t home. Social media platforms such as TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram have been used to show friends and family what is going on in loved ones lives even though they can't physically be together. Here are a few examples of how individuals can make light hearted jokes in this hard time: 

Hello (from the Inside) An Adele Parody by Chris Mann

Phases of 2020 in the USA

Pandemic Life In The UK

Memes About the Pandemic:

Food Uncertainty and Gardening Effects on my Family's Small Business

In the Spring when the effects of the pandemic began to heighten, citizens went into panic mode due to America's food supply chain uncertainty. This event led to over buying of essential items and limited food stocks. When families realized that they may not be able to acquire the necessary foods in order to feed themselves, their thoughts turned to gardening. 

As I have stated before my family owns a lawn, garden, and feed store in Harrodsburg, Kentucky. We sell a variety of items ranging from feed and hay to lawn mowers, trimmers, and garden supplies. We had become worried about the effect that COVID-19 would have on our local business. Thankfully our business was able to stay open, unlike many other small business in our town, which was a true blessing. Little did we know was that it was going to be one of our biggest years yet. We have a greenhouse on our farm where we raise garden plants to sell at our store. This year we raised 10,000 plants and they were all bought in as little as two months. I can remember loading a gooseneck cattle trailer full of plants almost every night because we had sold so many plants that our racks needed to be restocked. All while selling out of plants, our seed supply was also being diminished. Year after year my Dad has to calculate to see how much stock he thinks we will need for the next year in order to have an adequate supply to sell. When he planned for this year he knew it was going to be our biggest sales year yet, but not to this degree. Only by the middle of spring we had sold all of our plants and seed and we were turning customers away because we didn't have any more, my Father tried to call all of the seed companies he could to try to find more. Unfortunately, there was no more to be given because the demand for garden supplies were astonishing. So, we sold all the seed we had left and we were grateful for the sales year that we didn't think we would have. 

After people raise their gardens they have to have a way to preserve their harvest so many people turn to canning. Crazy enough now that many people had raised gardens, there was also a limited supply of canning supplies. Usually you will see supplies like jars, lids, rings, canning salt, and mixes in all kinds of stores like Walmart, Kroger, and many small gardening businesses but this year that wasn't the case. Many of the factories that make these supplies had to shut down because of the pandemic. Since there was a high demand and a shortage at the same time there wasn't any canning supplies to be found. Our business usually has a stock of the supplies but after the first month or two of harvest our shelves were also bare. Our family was lucky because we got the supplies from our business, but we still had to resort to freezing some of our vegetables because we ran out of supplies.

Although COVID-19 has been a burden for many, it has turned out well for my family in the long run. We have had a great year as far as our business is concerned, but we have also had extra time to devote to increasing our garden capacity and our harvest in our pantry. We canned over a hundred quarts of beans, 10 quarts of corn, 15 quarts of pickles, and got about 150 pounds of potatoes that we canned some of and also stored in our cellar. In addition my family harvested squash, zucchini, tomatoes, broccoli, cabbage, and egg plant that we just ate without preserving. As well as increasing our chicken flock in order to have eggs on hand instead of purchasing them from the store. This food supply will hold our family of four for about a year until we raise our garden again. The shut down gave many families the opportunity to get outside and learn how to grow their own food without having to rely upon the markets and stores which really warms a person's heart to see them learning skills that humans have forgotten about.

 

Food Supply Crisis During COVID-19

As the pandemic progressed, so did fear. This fear led to a food shortage brought on by little to no knowledge of the pandemic. As fear spread people began to worry that they wouldn't be able to escape quarantine to be able to go to the store. As people flocked to the markets more and more food was being snatched up and couldn't be replenished fast enough. Government officials made hast to reassure citizens and to urge them not to take more food than was necessary for their family. Sadly, this effort didn't make an impact and staple items such as: rice, beans, canned food, non-perishables, milk, bread, and eggs were taken and hardly any was left for people who were too late. This conflict would lead food insecurity statistics to almost double in as little as a year. My family and I were lucky because we have chickens that we raise for eggs, cattle that we raise for meat, and a garden for vegetables. We were set as far as the main food groups go but we would still make our weekly journey to the store to get items that we couldn't raise. Every time we went it got harder and more difficult to find items we needed. This war for food lasted for quite a while in the beginning of COVID-19. Although we are still trying to defeat the virus, the supply chain in America is now beginning to tug its way to stability and we can finally readily find items that we need. The pandemic diet; however, is still hanging with citizens. Since individuals were laid off or began working from home it allowed families to let loose of their diets and so they began to cook. Cooking during this uncertain time was a way for families to reconnect and spend time with one another. What with restaurants being closed, family and I cooked breakfast and dinner together almost everyday and, oftentimes, my Mom and I would find ourselves baking in the kitchen. Food helped many of us cope with the uncertainties of the pandemic and it gave us something to do while being stuck home. Now since my Mom has gone back to work we have begun our dieting back and I can tell how much the food that we ate for a few months impacted the way I felt. Eating healthier has led me to see that what we do and what we consume however short a time cna affect our mental and physical health. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stfYPvKYhlY

The Medias Influence on the Pandemic

 It used to be that the news was a trusted source of information. Now, it is well believed to heighten issues around the world and cause uneasiness among the population. In such uncertain times humans will grasp for straws in order to learn more about the current situation with the pandemic. But how reliable is the information that we are being given, and how trustworthy are vulnerable citizens of what may be referred to as "fake news". 

The media would like to instill a sense of fear into viewers by providing the most serious and worst case scenarios. For example, when the pandemic began the American medias were telling viewers that the nation's food supply chain was failing. People began flocking to markets and stores to get everything that was available. This led to a depletion of essential items such as meat, canned goods, non-perishables, milk, and bread. But when there are unknown scary situations, it is human nature to panic. That is why I believe that, although the pandemic is extremely real, it tends to get heightened to non-normal limits by the media and that is when it becomes risky for the national well being.

Believe it or not, there are sources of media that can be trusted. I receive my news from our local government such as the Kentucky Governor, Andy Beshear. Everyday the Governor provides updates on accurate numbers of cases within our state and tells Kentuckians what we can do to help better the health of our state. As far as COVID-19 facts outside of my home state, I choose to believe the federal government. They have been elected and are dedicated to seeing the United States thrive so I believe that the federal government will do their best to protect and inform citizens. Now the question is where do I get my information from regarding the media? Believe it or not there are reliable and fairly trustworthy media sources. I get my information from PBS News, BBC News, and ABC News. Although no source of media is going to be completely trustworthy, I have found that these media outlets are easier to sift through and find the facts. 

Although there are some more reliable sources of news than others, it is always important to check the facts. If everyone did, then they would know when to call the medias bluff. A large portion of the population that accepts fake news are the older generations. For example, whenever I speak to someone older they always tell me what is going on in the nation. Since the news media blows small facts into large proportions it creates fear within them. By targeting more susceptible areas of viewers, the media creates a wave that continues to grow larger until everyone believes this piece of news. That is why it is always good to check your sources and their information because a small piece of fake news can develop into a large fear. 

The following video will show how to find facts about the pandemic within the media.

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dDpA-BxoIvE

UK Students Strive to Stay on Campus

To put the situation lightly, my senior year of high school was screeched to halting stop. No one, not even the teachers, knew when we would be back and most still didn't realize that the virus was going to become as harsh as it did. Students were eager to run out of the school building in hopes for a break, and frankly I was too. Little did we know was that the chaos of rushing out of the building that we have known for 4 years was the seniors last time leaving as a student. Now that I look back on the situation, I often wonder what the emotions would have been if the seniors had known that our last day truly was our last. In an instant that last farewell was snatched from our midst and we'll never get that experience back. I'll never get to tell my teachers thank you for all the influence they had instilled within me, nor will I get to say good bye to classmates that I will, more than likely, never see again. 

Since leaving high school, freshman in college have now begun to get a grasp on what school feels like again. These are experiences that will not be easily given up. That is why I think that our University can make it to the end of the semester. We have such a drive and will to have the human contact as we once did. In this new version of life we yearn to make new friends and to have someone there to understand the situations we are in everyday. We want to be surrounded with people our age so that we can all support one another. So, I passionately believe that we as a student body will follow the rules to be able to stay on campus in person. 

Some of the rules that will aid in keeping students on campus are: wearing masks, staying socially distanced, washing our hands, using hand sanitizer, and getting tested for the virus. One of these rules that I believe has made a huge impact is being distanced from one another. For example, in my nursing class what once used be a room that could be filled with forty to fifty students is now cut into half. There are only two students allowed per row and there are about seven rows on each side of the classroom. This way we can be spread apart, but still all get to communicate with one another while staying safe. Social distancing is not just being practiced in the classrooms but also in dining areas, outside, and on the busses. By following these rules in every location on campus students will decrease their risk of contracting the virus. I believe that obeying rules like this one is how students show that they care about keeping on another safe to keep themself on campus. 

Socially Distanced Classroom Example

                                                     Social Distancing on the Bus Example

Current Life Conditions in Covid-19

 Since the beginning of Covid-19, more and more restrictions have been put into place in order to keep everyone healthy. These regulations and mandates continue as we have begun college. Signs have been posted with various tasks that students, staff, and visitors must abide by in order to promote health on campus. These tasks include: completing the daily screening, wearing a face covering, staying six feet apart from others, and so forth. The same holds true in my home town. When you go out in public, to the store, to a restaurant, or to get gas, the same rules and regulations apply. These regulations have helped to reduce the ever growing numbers of COVID-19 but it has not entirely diminished them. Where I live, in Mercer County, there is now one hundred and twenty five cases. Some of these cases are recovered, but many are still active. These numbers span across all age ranges and gender, and COVID doesn’t care about who it targets, it will attack and infect anyone and everyone it can. That is why the rules and safety measures are put into place, to keep citizens healthy. It takes a community, a state, a nation, and a world to keep each other safe and healthy. It has been recognized world-wide that if everyone does their part, everyone will be much safer. 

My life in the midst of COVID-19

 Hello All!

My name is Hannah Johnson and I am from Harrodsburg, Kentucky where I am apart of a middle class family. I live with my parents, Peggy and Robert Johnson, and my younger brother, Nolan Johnson. I am currently a freshman at the University of Kentucky with a major in Pre-Nursing. Our home town has about 8,500 residents and that is a significantly smaller amount than Lexington, Kentucky which has a whopping 324,000 residents. In our small town my family owns a small engine repair business and farm supply store. It is our fifteenth year since opening and since day one, all the business has done is grown. The reason I tell you about our business is because it was positively affected by COVID-19. When the shutdown began in Kentucky, my family and I were praying that under all the circumstances we wouldn't be one of the businesses to close. Thankfully our prayers were answered and we were able to keep our doors open, unlike so many other locally owned businesses. When the shutdown occurred many residents in our town had no where to go and nothing to do so they either went to Walmart or worked outside. The shelves were empty and the refrigerator sections bare at the store. This left the store crowded with lingering families and our business was busier than ever because everyone was planting gardens. We sold 10,000 garden plants in less than two months! It was heartwarming to see everyone raising their own food in such a time of uncertainty within our food supply chain. 

Another great perk of the virus for my family was the shutdown. I understand that it was detrimental to many families and their income, but it was a memory maker for my family. If you've every talked to your grandparents or someone older, they'll tell you about how life was slower in their younger part of life. Families had time to spend together without keeping up with each person's individual schedules and what was happening that week. They had time to enjoy each other and make memories. Before the pandemic, that thought was merely a dream. We were juggling soccer practice, archery tournaments, FFA meetings, college visits, and church activities. Our life was anything but relaxed. When COVID became more of an issue, my Mother began working only every other day. This gave my family time to slow down and complete tasks on our mind that we didn't have time for before the pandemic. It is truly amazing to feel your life slow down and just be able to enjoy your family and friends without being constantly rushed. 

Although it sounds like it was sunshine and rainbows for my family during the pandemic, there were some tougher times. I was a graduating senior and our graduation had gotten cancelled two times. All my graduating class got from the school was a diploma and we were sent home. No recognition of our accomplishments and no final goodbye to our friends. Instead, the Class of 2020 at Mercer County Senior High were given an opportunity to bring 6 family members to a private ceremony. It was devastating to have to choose between all my family that I love so dearly. But the parents of the Class of 2020 ended up having us a graduation ceremony to remember at our fairgrounds and things turned out for the best. In March, my brother turned 15. In July, my Mom and I both had birthdays and it happened to be my 18th birthday, I was becoming and adult. And finally, in August my Dad had a birthday. Normally our family, friends, and loved ones would gather at our home and we would celebrate all of our birthdays. Sadly, that didn't get to happen. It was tough for a while because we didn't get to see our extended family, but we knew we were luckier than others in the sense that were gaining another year, while others were losing a family member that wouldn't have another birthday. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has not been mentally or physically easy on anyone, but I believe that there are both good and bad sides to every situation and every story. My story and my family's story has, so far, turned out for the better where our business has grown and we have gotten to spend more time with each other. It is time for all of us to count our blessings in this time of uncertainty.