On the economic front, the coronavirus has been devastating to most Americans. More than twenty people have lost their jobs which is really terrible. The basis of economic growth is that people earn money from their jobs and then spend in on different areas, which further stimulates growth. However, right now, there is minimal spending with people confined in their homes. When people are free to go out, they visit malls, restaurants and other establishments that encourage them to spend money. This spending is also what allows employers to make a profit and pay their workers. Now that most people cannot go out, they have very little chance to spend money, and this has led to people losing their jobs as businesses have closed down. Additionally, many people have lost their primary sources of income. Those working in the service industry such as hotels and restaurants, tourism, hairdressing and others have lost their jobs because these require close contact with customers. People who have lost their jobs have less disposable income; thus, this further depresses economic growth for the state and the country in general.
Psychologically, the virus has taken a severe toll on Americans and people all over the world. The majority of the world’s population have had to stay home to limit contact between people. The virus spreads rapidly the more people keep close contact with each other, thus staying home is the best way to minimize the spread of the virus. Staying confined to their homes for weeks has affected people psychologically. For those who have large families, people get on each other’s nerves, and there may be much fighting and arguing in homes. Everyone feels that the other is stepping on their toes and interfering with them. For those who live alone, they could be feeling lonely as they are unable to visit their friends and family. People also feel stressed because of being confined in one space for a long time. On regular days, people were free to go anywhere they want, such as work, out to dinner, get their hair done, and even just paying visits to their loved ones. With the current situation, staying at home can make people irritable, claustrophobic, anxious and even depressed. They worry about what the future will bring, like when they will get back to work.
The government has done many things in response to the spread of the virus. For example, most states imposed a stay at home order beginning in March. This protects more people from getting sick as it minimizes contact between people. The government also gives unemployment benefits and stimulus checks to individuals and businesses which have been an enormous boost. Most businesses would have collapsed under the weight of the virus. The citizens also have a responsibility to take care of their own welfare. Over the past week, there have been protests against lockdown orders which defeat the whole purpose of the lockdown. It was meant to keep people from close interaction, but protesters move in large crowds often without protective gear such as masks. People must realize that it is their responsibility to protect themselves and those around them.
In conclusion, the coronavirus has been devastating on the economic, political and psychological areas of life for people all over the world. My family has not been spared as we too have been struggling with the situation. My siblings and I have had a hard time adjusting to not being able to go to school. Our parents have also had to stay at home as they practise social distancing. However, on the positive side, we get to spend more time together, which happens very rarely on normal days.
