Coronavirus reminds us of Contagion, the Hollywood movie that was perceived as being just another sci-fi. It’s as much a reality now as the sun rising in the East. Just like in most of the Hollywood movies, the doomsday hits the greatest city in the world – the New York City — this microscopic virus too has done the same. Living in Jersey City, just across Manhattan, has become a nightmare to the point where having a slight cold or shiver forces me to do a mercury check.

New York is now an epicenter of coronavirus with more than 50 per cent of cases in the United States. The empire state alone has about 25,600 positive cases as of March 24. There are 14,900-plus cases in New York City alone. To put this in perspective, New York State accounts for more than 5% of the entire positive coronavirus cases in the world.  The cases are rising at an alarming rate, day by day. Soon, the US may surpass China.

My family has been staying put at home and has not ventured out for past 15 days, other than for bare minimal essentials, that too once a week. Going out for essential groceries and a visit to the pharmacy for medicine stock also seems scary and risky now in my own neighbourhood.

I went out for groceries three days ago and the streets were empty; businesses and shops were closed in one of the busiest cities in New Jersey. It was somber and depressing.

Staying at home is difficult, but it’s the safest thing to do for you and your family. It won’t be a tall order when I say it saves every other person in the world. Imagine, it all started in a market in one corner of the world via a tiniest of the living organism so powerful that it could bring the entire seven billion world population to its knees. Antarctica seems to be a safe bet of all the places on the earth right now. 

We should feel fortunate enough to isolate ourselves socially. We have to bank on social media and the internet which would at least help the formal sector to work from home and be connected to family and friends and the rest of the world.

My daughter jumped at an opportunity to stay at home and play the whole day when the school closures were announced, but her happiness was short-lived when the school announced a schedule for e-learning classes every day.  The schools here in Jersey City were well prepared ahead of time for a scenario like this. Kids not having access to computers or the internet were provided alternative options of submitting their assignments.

Many schools are, in fact, even providing them with laptops or access to the internet to continue their studies. The free school breakfast and lunch program by the government is also being taken care of in these challenging times. Meals are dropped off at designated bus stops by school buses or parents can pick it up from schools. 

There is a vast amount of pressure on the hospitals and medical personnel with limited supplies to combat coronavirus even in the world’s most advanced country. The hospitals and doctors are supporting their regular patients in every possible way while taking precautions of not contracting the virus themselves. My general physician is now prescribing telemedicine wherever possible and has postponed all non-emergency procedures and surgeries.

The economic impact on society is enormous. The travel and tourism industry in one of the most visited cities (New York City) in the world has come to a standstill. A picture of an empty Times Square, one of the most visited places in the world, speaks volumes about the situation. Though having an empty Times Square at this point is much appreciated.

From my home window, I can see new leaves sprouting on the trees, birds chirping, squirrels hopping — this indicates that the spring is here. Washington DC is already blooming with cherry blossoms. I hope the new spring leaves brings with it the much-needed good vibes. It fades away the winter blues and our hearts filled with more gratitude towards the emergency and essential service providers and people working hard to find the solution. Wishing everyone best of health, happiness, and tranquillity no matter what the situation prevails. The world will soon be back bustling and kicking. 

Mahashweta Agarwal lives in the United States. She is a happy 24×7 mother and homemaker who loves to travel and explore new places with her family. She experiments with arts and crafts in her free time.