As I reflect on the protests erupting across the nation against stay-at-home orders, I can’t help but feel a surge of frustration. I’ve largely refrained from sharing my thoughts on COVID-19, yet the anger that these demonstrations have stirred within me compels me to speak out.
First and foremost, let me clarify: I fully support the right to protest. I empathize with those who have lost jobs and businesses during this crisis—no one wants to witness families struggling or businesses closing their doors for good. However, my concern lies not with the need for economic recovery, but with the reckless manner in which some are advocating for it.
The protests often seem misguided, with demonstrators flaunting slogans like “I want a haircut,” while seemingly disregarding the very guidelines set forth by health officials. A more effective protest would have involved individuals spaced apart, masked, and showcasing a commitment to the safety measures necessary for reopening.
What many protestors seem to overlook is that reopening too soon without adequate precautions could lead to illness, hospitalization, or worse. If a workplace experiences an outbreak due to negligence, the consequences could be far more damaging than any temporary economic gain. As I watched these protests unfold, I feared for the potential resurgence of COVID-19 cases, which would only delay the reopening process we all desire.
I have been on the brink of death in an ICU, fighting for my life just months ago. I was once considered a “healthy young woman,” and that experience taught me how fragile life can be. Hospitals are not just prepared to treat patients; they are on the brink, with resources stretched thin. I think about the heartbreak faced by families who can’t be with their loved ones during hospital stays and the healthcare workers who risk their lives daily.
Some argue that other diseases claim more lives, but COVID-19 has already taken tens of thousands of lives in a matter of months. The absence of effective treatments means our best defense is to slow the spread. Do we really want to witness the devastation that could occur if we rush to return to “normal”?
While we’ve become accustomed to annual fatalities from various causes, COVID-19 has detonated like a bomb across our country, leading to unprecedented loss. The implications of reopening too soon could lead to long-lasting economic burdens stemming from lost lives and productivity.
We’ve fought wars over fewer deaths, yet the sacrifices now being asked of us seem to infringe on personal freedoms. The estimated death rate for COVID-19 could be as high as three percent. If you’re willing to risk the lives of your friends or family for the sake of reopening quickly, I can only feel pity for you.
For those who have supported me during my cancer journey but now seem willing to jeopardize my safety, I ask you to reflect on your stance. If this is how you feel, perhaps it’s best we part ways on social media—or you may notice my absence first.
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In summary, while the desire to reopen is understandable, it is crucial to prioritize safety and health over the rush to return to normalcy. Reckless protests only serve to prolong the crisis and endanger lives.
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