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Opinion

In our ‘new normal,’ learn to exercise patience

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Judge Toni Walker Terrett of the 9th Circuit Court

by Toni Walker Terrett

As the conveniences of the 21st century give way to shorter attention spans and the demand for instant gratification, it is understandable that most of us have had enough of COVID-19. After all, a season for a sitcom on network or cable television is anywhere from 13 to 22 episodes – and that’s only if the show can survive in the ratings and not get canceled!

Spring time means beaches, baseball and barbecue. Being “stuck” indoors abiding by shelter-in-place orders does not make the cut. However, this is what the medical community advises is necessary to “flatten the curve” and stop the spread of the novel coronavirus.

In case you’re still feeling antsy after 30-plus days of social distancing, quarantine and self-isolation, take a look at history. The Spanish flu pandemic of 1918, noted to be the deadliest in history, lasted nearly two years. Masks became commonplace and in some public venues were mandatory. Some of these practices date back to biblical times. While the virus may be new, the response and preventive measures that are being put into place are not new.

Once upon a time, the Pony Express was the primary mode of delivering mail and messages. Now we have next-day delivery and instant messaging. Television broadcasts were analog. Today we can see our favorite shows in high definition and “on demand.” Not too long ago, dial-up internet made downloading music and documents an all-day task. In 2020, there is the convenience of Wi-Fi – it speaks for itself.

Having to protect against an “invisible” enemy is mind-boggling for some. We can run or hide from certain dangers such as a thunderstorm or a vicious dog. We can protect against online hackers or identity thieves with virus protection software. A highly contagious airborne virus is a little harder to grasp for those who are not fully informed. Unfortunately, the realization is hitting home daily as the number of positive cases increases and families have to hurriedly bury loved ones who did not survive the disease.

Some people are asymptomatic – carrying the disease but not showing the signs. Others are at high risk of infection due to age or pre-existing conditions. Still, perfectly healthy individuals have succumbed to disease. There are survivors, but there are also plenty of folks who are still in recovery.

As the medical community and others work hard on solutions that will keep us all safe in the face of a “new normal,” we have to exercise patience. Despite the conveniences that modern technology has given us, it is not foolproof. Wearing masks and social distancing is not the latest trend – it is practical and lifesaving.

“Ignorance is bliss, but knowledge is power.”

Toni Walker Terrett serves as a judge for the 9th Judicial Circuit District which includes Warren, Sharkey and Issaquena counties.

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