Written by Bo Yun V. Brainerd
The nation has officially become the epicenter of the Coronavirus. Was the US ready for a pandemic like this? Was Branford?
It is hard to imagine that a singular cough could transmit a revolutionary respiratory outbreak around the globe, catalyzing over fifteen National Shutdowns, multiple economic recessions and thousands of deaths, all in less than 4 months. As of March 26, the United States leads the world in confirmed cases and Branford contains at least 13 of them.
Acknowledging how this novel virus, global pandemic and international crisis has affected millions of people’s everyday lives is frightening yet, because of the vast and notable changes, it is impossible not to notice. But, how has the virus affected Branford and it’s elderly, students, businesses, families?
Even though Connecticut has 1291 confirmed cases of Coronavirus, Branford accounts for only 12 out of its 28,111 residents. However, such numbers are rapidly increasing and as the number of positive cases grows, so does the number of deaths. Nevertheless, our State, Town and Federal governments are taking the safe precautions to eliminate further spread of Corona, starting with the cancellation of in-school learning until at least April 20.
Recently, Branford Public Schools integrated Flex Learning into their curriculum to engage and continue their students’ studies during this education pause. But, even before this new learning method, students and teachers were released from school for around two weeks, leaving parents and their children without any information about moving forward. With what began as daily visits to the park, neighborly get-togethers and walks with friends has quickly turned into several restaurants closing, public parks covered in caution and off-limits tape and the lack of in person contact with your loved ones.
Students such as Din Durmic, a junior from Branford High School, have expressed their concerns about the unfamiliar virus stating, “I hadn’t noticed the impact of Corona on Branford up until recently but since people have realized the severity of the problem, people have taken proper measures to keep the community safe which is important to me. Being in quarantine doesn’t comply with my lifestyle and personally isn’t that enjoyable but I understand that it’s completely necessary.”
Across social media, teenagers, adults and even elderly have chosen to ignore the warnings of the CDC and the U.S government by booking cheap vacations and failing to socially distance themselves from friends. Such displays of carelessness has surged another social media movement of celebrities and users begging their followers to stay home. Posting pictures, statistics and sharing stories of how the virus has impacted them or other individuals.
“Turning on the news makes me very nervous, even anxious at times and as long as people just stay home and do their part I know it’ll be okay,” said Madeline Brissette, a junior at Branford High School. “But sometimes we can’t rely on everyone to uphold their end of the bargain. I’m not surprised with the virus coming to Branford because we live so close to New Haven, which is where the Hospital is located. I was waiting to get the news- it was inevitable.” With students like Madeline, who have parents working at Yale New Haven Hospital or other medical facilities, it can be even scarier during this time. Indeed, to the average person this is the voluntary job of being a doctor or nurse, but to people like Madeline, these are her parents at risk as well.
Gabriella Gillis, a senior at Branford High School, mentioned that local nurses were being instructed to “Bring a packed bag of essentials just in case you either contract Corona or are told you cannot go home.” Families are inevitably impacted with children bearing the idea of Mom or Dad not coming home, or the possibility of Grandma or Grandpa passing. Students with abusive or unwelcoming families are being forced to stay home and are unable to have an escape.
It is in this time that the Branford Public School system has recognized the students without access to Internet or technology and has handed out Chromebooks to help ensures everyone has an opportunity to still gain an education. For the High School, learning will resume on Google Classroom with unique assignments and specific time slots for when a student must virtually attend the class.
However, apprehension and stress has overwhelmed the student body. Shae Lepre, a junior whose mother also teaches at the school, said “I am very anxious about the whole experience just because it’s very new and I’m confused on how it’s going to workout in the long run. Administrators and teachers have been just as confused as well – so we’re all learning. I’m worried I won’t be productive at home due to other distractions and what if I unpurposefully miss class or mix up a time? Everything is unknown and it seems that no one really has answers to our questions.”
One thing is certain, teachers have consistently pursued contact with their students and have reassured or answered any questions they can, always extending their care and concern.
In regards to the community’s economy, it seems that restaurants and “non-essential” businesses are taking the biggest hit. In the beginning, restaurants were adaptable and redirected towards deliveries and take-out but, recently it seems that the majority has accepted defeat. Of course there are still restaurants continuing to thrive such as Marco’s Pizza or Parthenon Diner. However, the reality is, countless individuals are being laid off and or failing to make profits, detrimentally affecting their ability to keep their business or even survive. Even people working in the medical field or in human services aren’t dependable on their jobs, perhaps not as bad as someone in auto repair or the stock market, but still everyone is at risk of being financially hit.
These concerns have been addressed in Washington, where lawmakers and the White House have passed legislation to help resolve the economy and financially support Americans. How does this impact Branford? It provides funding towards the schools’ technology so students can borrow a computer, helps residents gain access to economic services, extends money to support National food organizations to keep feeding students in need and ultimately tries to sustain the health and safety of Americans and our Branford citizens.
Could this global outbreak and National emergency have been avoided or even stopped? Easily. But, actions have been carried out and warnings have been made, nothing can be taken back or reversed. Thus, it’s important for not only Branford’s community but all towns to reconnect with one another and extend each other’s support. Large corporations are donating millions to hospitals to purchase more protective gear, children and parents are sewing masks to send to senior centers, neighbors are buying groceries for one another, people are starting online businesses, people are becoming more active, families are bonding and the world is reinventing their approach to love.
As Coretta Scott King said, “The greatness of a community is most accurately measured by the compassionate actions of its members.”
Great job!!! Well done! Everyone stay safe!