How COVID-19 is disrupting American daily life

Fan attends game in mask, though masks have been deemed “insufficient” in protecting against COVID-19. Getty Images

By Aaron Sincere Kershaw

The World Health Organization (WHO) has officially named COVID-19, the first pandemic caused by a coronavirus. This distinction recognizes this new infectious disease is prevalent worldwide and will require multi-nation cooperation to contain.

U.S. citizens are experiencing significant shifts in their work lives, education, entertainment, shopping, and more.

Google, Facebook, Twitter, and Amazon have requested that employees work remotely from home on a global scale. Big tech companies are not alone, as organizations halt non-essential travel and cancel their annual conferences.

The American Pharmacists Association canceled their annual conference, referencing WHO's guidelines and declaration that COVID-19 is now a global pandemic.

According to National Nurses United, the University of California Medical Center has 36 registered nurses and 88 other healthcare staffers in self-quarantine due to a single patient admitted with the disease. 

COVID-19's effect on the workforce

Survey suggest 90% of workers attend work sick. Photo by Robert Half

Due to the virus' fourteen-day incubation period, workers may exhaust their sick leave less than halfway through the year. According to a report from October by Rober Half, 90% of employees admit to coming to work sick. That number may significantly decrease as employers encourage workers with common symptoms to lean towards caution.

The effect on education

COVID-19's outbreak has rocked universities and public schools across the nation. The University of Houston is canceling classes next week, with plans to resume online courses by March 23.

The District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) announced that Monday, March 16, D.C. schools would not be in session as educators prepare to modify their curriculum for distance learning.

These decisions are indicative of what is happening nationwide.

Sports and entertainment

American pastimes are not immune to the disease or the consequences of its spread as major sports leagues suspend their seasons, righteously placing profit margins behind public safety.

The National Basketball Association announced the suspension of its season after Utah Jazz's star Center Rudy Gobert tested positive for the coronavirus before a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday. 

Likewise, the NCAA canceled March Madness after previously stating that the games would be played without fans in the arenas.

"This decision is in the best interest of public health, including that of our coaches, administrators, fans and, most importantly, our student-athletes," the NCAA said in a statement Wednesday.

Major League Baseball canceled the remainder of its spring training schedule while postponing the league's Opening Day by at least two weeks. 

The MLB said in a press release Wednesday, "As of 4:00 p.m. (E.T.) today, forthcoming Spring Training games have been canceled, and 2020 World Baseball Classic Qualifier games in Tucson, Arizona have been postponed indefinitely."

Phillie's first baseman Rhys Hoskins spoke on the impact COVID-19 is having worldwide.

"Look, this is something that I think we'll remember for the rest of our lives. It's something that is kind of stopping the world as we know it," Hoskins said.

The Need to Clean

In stores across the nation, cleaning agents are flying off the shelves. Hand sanitizer, peroxide, alcohol, and other virus-killing products are in high demand. The World Health Organization has endorsed a recipe for making hand sanitizer at home. All ingredients can be found at your local general merchandiser.