Isolation and inconvenience seem too much for some putting all at risk
During this time of isolation due to COVID-19, I’m witnessing many different aspects of the human condition as people react to the call to isolate. For some, it’s just too much. Too demanding.
Being in the “high risk” group has made me more concerned than many about what I should or should not do. Yes, being stuck at home can be trying; fortunately, I don’t have kids running around and demanding to be let outside. That said there are times when even those with large families including a horde of kids must do what is right for their own sake and the good of others. We are all in this together.
So what is the risk to younger folks?
The Utah numbers shed light on who is bearing the brunt of this situation. The state’s April 6 data percent of cases per 100K population by age group show the following: 50.6% (15-24 yrs), 75% (25-44 yrs), 82.6% (45-64 yrs) and 58.5% (65-84 yrs). So, those in ages 15-44 who think they are not at risk and should be able to continue their lives as usual with little thought for others should think again. They are not only putting themselves at risk but others also. This is a battle that needs all hands “at home” not all hands-on deck.
Utah Residents with COVID-19 Demographics Table
| Age Group | Case Count | Percent of Cases | Rate per 100k Population |
| Less than 1 year | 8 | 0% | 15.9 |
| 1-14 years | 32 | 2% | 4.4 |
| 15-24 years | 258 | 15% | 50.6 |
| 25-44 years | 675 | 40% | 75.0 |
| 45-64 years | 514 | 31% | 82.6 |
| 65-84 years | 183 | 11% | 58.5 |
| 85+ years | 5 | 0% | 13.2 |
This post by a person who participates on a Nextdoor group I’m on gets to the heart of the problem:
“Wuhan cannot be stopped. 100% safety is a myth. Wuhan flew around the world for months unimpeded, and now it cruises all the highways. It will be here and in every other US city. The time to contain it is far, far past, there was never much will to do so. Just like people fought against containing it, so shall people resist being cooped up. Kids are going to go out and play, whether they are in a park or a yard. Some people are going to get together for parties. The populace cannot go without its entertainments for too long. There’s little reason to stop non-contact-sports ball games, I don’t think I’d be too concerned with Wuhan on my pickle or tennis ball. Those that catch the plague early are the ones that will gain us herd immunity overall and will also be the guinea pigs that help the medical profession learn how to treat it.”
My mouth dropped open when I read this post. With this kind of attitude, we will not contain the virus. It will likely overwhelm our dedicated medical professionals and our facilities. Then people with this attitude – who may very well be those who get infected – will be banging on the hospital door to get in but there may be no room. Those with this attitude seem willing to put others at risk because they don’t want to be inconvenienced during this difficult time.
We should all be inconvenienced for the greater good. Where is the humanity in an attitude that demands entertainment over the health of others?
Perhaps those who have clamoring children wanting to go outside to play should teach their children a good lesson about what it’s like to be part of a community and family when events like this occur. This is a real learning opportunity. If the kids have too much energy, perhaps direct some of that energy to help with house tasks? When I was young, I had chores to help the family and it never killed me. I didn’t like it but who made the law stating kids should only do what they like? A friend told me that she, her husband and the kids are having a great time with indoor activities like playing games, etc. How about teaching the kids how to meditate if they’re antsy or perhaps feeding them less sugar during this time when lower energy levels might help to keep sanity for all?
It seems that many who continue to flock to Snow Canyon State Park and other over-crowded areas are probably in the younger age groups. Even with recent restrictions, I hear that Snow Canyon is still very busy but have not been there myself since February, due to the isolation we are asked to maintain now and travel in early March. Despite younger folks feeling their risk is low during this time, the numbers don’t bear that out as shown by our state’s case numbers
Let me end by acknowledging that many in younger age groups must work during this time. I get that and my heart goes out to those who must be exposed. I am addressing my concerns to those who have choices but opt for entertainment that puts us all at risk rather than isolation.
I hope we will all give careful consideration to the choices we are making during this extremely difficult time in our lives. As my mom always said, ‘This too will pass’, it just needs our help.
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