Coronavirus Is True Test Of American Spirit, Moorestown Man Says

MOORESTOWN, NJ — Moorestown resident Daniel Begg writes that the outbreak of new coronavirus across the nation is a true test of the will and spirit of the American people. His letter to the editor can be found below:

In these dark and troubled times, it seems harder and harder to find a ray of hope amidst the clouds of fear and uncertainty that are sweeping across the social and economic landscape of this country.

We have watched helplessly as millions of jobs have been lost or put on hold indefinitely as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. We have yet to experience the full economic repercussions from this unseen menace, as the residual effects of suffering businesses and jobs lost ricochets across the economy and people struggle to pay their rent and bills.

There is no American that has not felt the impact of this invisible threat on their lives, and no aspect of society that has not been affected. Life as we know it has been cut short; schools and colleges shut down, public events and plans canceled or postponed indefinitely. Even a necessary trip to the supermarket has become a terrifying experience, with people being afraid of everything they touch and whom they go near. The social implications of this virus and the necessary social distancing are enormous.

Then we have the health repercussions that are just beginning to be felt in hospitals across the country, and the strain it is already putting on the understaffed doctors, nurses, and health care workers who are on the front lines, working around the clock to care for the growing number of patients. We only have to look at the dire situation in Italy to see how bad it can get if the spread of the virus is not contained.

Looking at trends in other parts of the world and the upward trajectory of sick and dying in this country, this is just going to get worse as the contagion spreads, without enough beds, respirators, supplies, and staff to treat the growing number of patients. Free testing is just now starting to become available on a limited basis. We were not ready for this.

One hopeful sign is that we have evidence from China and South Korea that where a combination of government-initiated and self-quarantines, readily available testing, washing and sanitizing of hands, and social distancing have been practiced, the spread of the virus has been mitigated. Until a vaccine is available, this is the best way to contain its spread.

Every American should consider it their responsibility to practice social distancing during these times, not just out of concern for themselves but for those to whom they might unwittingly spread the virus.

Of course, most American citizens may not even have this option soon, as we are seeing more and more state governments and cities announce lockdowns and mandated closings of all non-essential businesses. The news is changing by the minute.

A crisis like this can bring out the best, and the worst in people. As this situation worsens, we will see both. I hope and I pray that during these trying times, our better natures will prevail.

This is history in the making, and we are dealing with a crisis of monumental proportions unlike anything this nation has ever seen.

How events play out in months to come, and how we react to them, will be the ultimate test of the will, the strength, and the spirit of the American people. We will get through this, but at what cost remains yet to be seen.