South Korea and Coronavirus (Corvid-19)
Before leaving for South Korea, I was aware of Corvid-19 spreading through East Asia. However, I was not concerned. The year was 2003 and the middle of February when I flew from the City of Angeles to Beijing for a six-month language study abroad program at Beijing Film Academy. So, let’s just say, I’ve been here before.
Unlike 2003, the internet was and is a good source for information. There are up to date status reports for the spreading of the virus and safety measures being taken by various governments. In addition, there is a widespread campaign to teach the general public, far and wide, about hygiene. Go to Youtube and checkout the Tik Tok video put together by some choreographers for their citizens. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=twjjX4lBJTs
I did try to purchase some masks before my departure, but was unsuccessful. Vendors on Amazon were price gouging. Luckily, I arrived to orientation where, on a daily basis, they supplied us attendees with disposable mask to ware.
As the situation would have it, we were not allowed to leave the campus we were staying on, which was about an hour drive south of Seoul. Yes, quarantined. In addition, and understandably, the day for the cultural excursion was canceled.
At this time, it has been a week since completing orientation, and I am in my digs provided by the school. Whilst I feel safe, I am also being safe. I wear a mask when out in public (walking, buying groceries, riding the subway/bus, etc.). I wash my hands frequently, for 20-30 seconds, and use hand sanitizer.
The start of the school year has been delayed by three weeks for the students. However, I still go to work on Mondays and Fridays. I haven’t had a lot to do, as of yet, as I am not in the system. Although I have been given a laptop, I do not have the lines/cords/outlets which would allow me to sign-in and use the internet. But I digress.
Corvid-19 has surpasses SARS in regard to infection and casualties. People are scared, here and all over the world. Flights in and out of China and South Korea are being canceled. People are using the virus as an excuse to openly display their xenophobia and racism. Checkout the Code Switch podcast over on NPR. https://podcasts.google.com/?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnByLm9yZy9yc3MvcG9kY2FzdC5waHA_aWQ9NTEwMzEy&episode=NzNjZWEyNTctNThmYS00OTIyLWJhMDMtZDAyMTk5ZDMyM2Ey&hl=en-KR&ved=2ahUKEwiaqe7v95ToAhWDE4gKHanvAsAQieUEegQIDxAG&ep=6 Don’t get me wrong, I always want to know if a person is racist or not, so I know who I’m dealing with. But, you know….damn.
I digress.
The Coronavirus is real. There is no vaccine or cure. Whilst the person that currently occupies 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue initially held a presser to tell the American people that everything was under control. He now says, with the warmer months coming, by April the virus will disappear. What a bunch of pee-pee-ca-ca. That’s right, I have no confidence in the current administration, which is presiding over the United States of America. As it stands, come fall, Corvid-19 will mostly likely be even deadlier than it is now. More people will likely be infected and more will succumb to the disease.
So, with that, please take precautions and be safe.
