Covid on Campus

 Last week my friend from my hometown came to the University of Kentucky for a self guided tour. Regular tours are limited to 10 or less people and she wasn't able to get into a group so her only option was self guided. She had no idea where she was going, so she asked me to show her and her dad around. We started at the Willy T. Library, I showed her all the signs on tables saying, "only 2 people per table", "masks must be worn at all times" and ones on the public computers saying they er unavailable right now due to covid. We then went to the 90 where I showed her the same type of things and how the workers were serving the food instead of self serve, and the Plexiglas glass in between the students and the employees. Walking around campus I showed her the gym, the rec field, the Kroger Field, dorms and healthcare facilities. All of these locations had some sort of information on covid regulations and limitations. She was really surprised at how restricted things are on campus and saw how hard it was to be a college student away from home. We then went to north side of campus where I shower her more class room buildings, dorms, the student center and more. Again covid signs were everywhere, even outside. Wearing masks the whole time, I showed her around for about an hour and a half. Covid has changed the way so many things operate and peoples day to day lives. That's just the beginning though, once you have applied, been accepted, completed admission, moved in, and started classes, things continue to feel restricted. Started college away from home has been really difficult for me and had a lot of limitations which I didn't realize until explaining it to someone who doesn't go here. Welcome to UK during a pandemic. 

Covid and Public Schools

 On September 28, two of my little brothers went back to school (in person) two days a week. I was in town, so I took the middle schooler to school so I could see how they were handling the situation. First, before he got out of the car his mask had to be put on, then when he stepped out his temperature was taken  and hand sanitizer was put on. Later that day he came back and told me how school was going and it seemed so complicated. He said when they first got in some students went to the gym and others to the cafeteria in order to space everyone out, remember this is only half of the students as well. They had to sit on marked spots six feet away from each person. Then when they dismissed to each class, each hall was dismissed at different times so that there weren't too many students in the hall at once and there were only about 6-10 people in each class, in others there were less. During lunch, again half of the students were put in the cafeteria and half in the gym where they all had assigned seating. They were never close enough to another person to touch them or hear them in a crowded area. 

The second grader couldn't really tell me much about the changes in school other than wearing a mask all day was hard for him and having to go to the bathroom in pairs rather than a whole class at one time. He gets on the bus with a mask on, takes it off for lunch, and then returns home with a mask on. He did say that there are disposable masks in the office and in some classrooms in case a student forgot one or had an issue with theirs. School is very different he said. 

It's really weird seeing kids go to school like this, many don't like it and wish they chose to stay all online. I have heard some high schoolers say they only missed the social aspect of going to school but even that has basically been stripped away so going to school is the same as doing it at home. My senior year did not end the way I wanted it to, and I wish it could have ended differently but I am grateful I didn't`t have to do what my high school is doing now for school. Having class all online is not ideal, and ruined my freshman year in many ways but this is becoming the new normal and I feel as if most people are getting used to this way of life. 

  This is a picture of my brother Logan getting dropped off at school, mask and all. 

Chinese Covid vaccine results in...

 Based on what we know, the Covid virus that we are experiencing now in very high numbers was originated in China. We assume it infected someone who had traveled to China and then brought it back to the United States. There have been a lot of accusations against Chine and its leaders by the US government and many other countries since the pandemic started. Things that have been circulated about China have made many people believe that China is untrustworthy. As of right now, China is leading the vaccine discovery for Covid and has 4 possible candidates for vaccines in the last phase of clinical trials. The US only has 3, and other countries follow. Within the article From Asia to Africa, China Promotes its Vaccines to Win Friends, it is explained that many statements have been made by Chinese officials making  it seem that their primary goal is to repair "friendships" with other countries and to build their power. If one of the vaccines in China is approved by the FDA and gets distributed, the Philippines will have access to getting doses, Latin America and the Caribbean countries will receive up to $1 billion to buy the vaccine and medications, and Bangladesh will get approximately 100,000 free doses of the vaccine. Many people are rooting for China to finish the vaccine as soon as possible because they are the furthest along and have already gotten 2 vaccines approved for emergency use. The 2 that were temporarily approved in July were used on military and state employees, and slowly began to be used within healthcare staff and aviation workers. China's ability to produce a vaccine and get it to the poorer countries who can not pay for the supplies, will demonstrate a powerful sign that they`re becoming the scientific leaders post pandemic. This will give China a lot fo recognition and praise from countries who before this were not necessarily fans of the country. An example of this includes Indonesia. In the same article, it says that China and Indonesian leaders have been in cooperation and have made it clear that China is aware they are going to needed help receiving the vaccine. Indonesia and China have a strained relationship, so this is just one of the many countries that the vaccine is being used on the gain their support. In the end, if China is the first one to distribute a Covid vaccine it will be a great deal in the global perspective of things considering we have been experiencing a pandemic for almost 7 months now. I also believe that some countries are going to be tied to them as allies due to China making deals with them for the vaccine, and other countries will feel attacked. 

Covid vaccines and global connections

Producing and delivering things needed for the Covid vaccine is a global endeavor. This is because not everything needed for creating and distributing the vaccine is going to be found in one country. For example, the vaccine has to be stored in very cold temperatures so some delivery companies such as Fedex and UPS are transforming the beds of their delivery trucks into freezer like containers. Poorer countries are not going to have access to such things, so this part of delivery and distribution will have to be solely performed by the wealthier countries whom have access to the materials. Another reason this is a global issue is because billions of syringes needed to carry and inject the vaccine would take about 18 months to produce in a time where we do not have 18 extra months to wait. If more than one country is making these syringes the time would be cut down and the sooner the world will get their vaccine. Other countries will have access to particular drugs or mixtures needed to produce the vaccine that other countries do not. Everyone has a part in this vaccine, and the process will not work if one person does not do their part. Every country who has access to supplies and materials needed for the production and distribution of the Covid vaccine should feel obligated to participate and do what they can. The only way to start the decline of cases and severity is to get a vaccine out there. 

Apartments and Covid

 Recently my friends and I have been apartment hunting and find that it is very difficult to do during this time. Many places won't allow people to tour due to the pandemic, which is understandable. But on the other hand, why would someone sign lease or contract if they aren't able to see where they'll be living before hand? Covid has made many things difficult but this is by far one of the most complicated things I have had to do during this time. Websites will show you pictures, prices, and layouts but most places post their best pictures when the place they're renting out could be nothing like it. On top of being able to see places with our own eyes, prices are shooting up. Houses and apartments are being sold and rented for way over their worth and eventually the stock market is going to crash leaving people upside dow in payments. In the article I included, it explains how the prices for renting properties in more expensive areas are decreasing as covid continues. But the places that are normally cheaper, and cheaper to live in, are increasing. There really is no way around it. 

Covid Effect On Rental Markets

Online Learning

 I do not believe that online learning provides equal opportunity learning. I have always been a straight A (with an occasional B) student, and this first year that is already down the drain. I have taken online classes in the past, and struggled terribly which is why I decided I would take in person courses if I had the chance. I am struggling to keep my grades up as I am taking a few pretty challenging courses such as Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology, Experimental Psychology and Spanish. Having to learn on an online platform has made every single course I am in much more challenging. Many students are struggling with online learning and I have heard this from many of my friends. I have a friend at Morehead State who is in similar classes as I am, she has never really struggled learning material or retaining it. Her grades have continued to drop as well as her test taking skills, study skills, and social skills. Because we are forced to learn online, I feel as if we are not able to really learn material so much as just submitting assignments by 11:59 every night. Future classes I take are bound to be more difficult because I am not learning the basic content in my basic classes. 

I do think there should be some sort of hardship clause for students who are genuinely struggling with the impact of covid. Although, I really don't know if there is any possible way to distribute this fairly. Once announced that something of the sort has been produced, some students may decide that they want to slack off and just not do the work, where as other students are genuinely struggling to pass a course. Lets say someone is taking in person courses on the same major pathway as I am. In person, you are basically forced to learn the content because otherwise you will not know what to do in any given situation. I am a pre nursing major currently, so lets say I am taking anatomy online (which I am) and am basically teaching myself the material. Whereas someone else whois able to take in person courses has other people in a classroom setting to communicate with and a professor to clear any confusion. In the future, if a healthcare facility were to use these grades, they would choose the one who had higher grades and a higher grade point average. Now, what if the student who took online courses just struggles with learning online, but didn't`t have an opportunity to retake the course for any reason. This makes students who struggle with online learning, or staying home less competitive in the job market for something they cannot entirely control. 

UK Core Issue: How Do We Distribute Covid Vaccines?

I would distribute Covid vaccines to the front line workers such as nurses and doctors, and the high risk patients. Healthcare workers need this vaccine more than anyone because they are exposed to it daily, sometimes more than once. They are the people who are helping heal sick pattens with and without the virus, if all of the healthcare workers are slowly getting sick we will run out of resources to help heal the sick or injured. The high risk population is also a top priority because they are more likely to suffer from permanent damage, more severe cases, or even death. High risk includes the people with underlying conditions such as hypertension, obesity, diabetes, heart disease etc. This population also includes the elderly and young children. 

In order to choose which groups to give it to, I have to consider how often a group of people will be exposed, age, and the likely hood of recovery. If a certain group (such as healthcare workers) is going to be exposed to a virus on a daily basis or more, then the vaccine is going to be very important to them in order to keep healthcare facilities up and running. Young children and elderly are also at high risk of contracting Covid in a more serious manner due to their poor immune systems. Also, anyone with underlying conditions is at higher risk because their body is already functioning below 100%. 

Covid within hospital walls

 This past week I was at Cincinnati Children's Hospital about 4 times. The first time was a pre-op follow up. In order to get in, you must have a face coving that covers your mouth and nose at the same time the entire time you are in the building. There are signs around every corner you look that remind you of this. When you walk in, there is usually a screening station that has you sanitize your hands, grab a mask, answer a few screening questions such as, "have you experienced any of these symptoms in the past 24 hours?" or "have you or anyone in your family had direct contact with anyone who has tested positive or is awaiting results in the last 2 weeks?" Once you've answered the questions they take your temperature and you have to wear a certain color sticker showing that you have been screened and are good to go. Now, once I was in the appointment things are still restricted. Even though it's only me and 2 to 3 other people in the room masks must remain on, medical professionals must wear gloves, and they try to stay distanced throughout the exam room. 

The second time I was there was to get tested for covid for my third time since August. First, you have to call and confirm that the order is in. Once they have confirmed the order they give specific instructions of where to go in the building and which desk you will be checking in at. I called and got told to come in and go to desk 1, so straight from my car that is where I went. Once at the check in desk, they go through similar precautions regarding screenings and then send you to the waiting are. Since I wasn't having symptoms and mine was specifically for a pre-op scan, they sent me to the healthy waiting area. I got called back within about 10 minutes and went into room that is used for drawing blood and other samples. The NP goes over how the test works, side effects, and then whenever you agree they test you. Third time was definitely the most uncomfortable. 

The third time was finally for the surgery itself. I was getting a catheter ablation for Wolf Parkinson White Syndrome (wpw). I had one of these my sophomore year of high school and it was successful at first, and then after about a month my EKG went back to completely abnormal and they confirmed it had returned. This surgery was expected to be much shorter than the last one, my first was about 6 hours. They suspected I would leave the hospital around 5 pm that day. When my mom and I got to the hospital there were signed everywhere regarding wearing a mask, washing hands, and social distancing. Once again, there was a screening station right as you walked in where you sanitize, get a mask, answer questions, and get a sticker to show you were screened. After the screening, we headed to the seventh floor to check in. When you enter the waiting are everything is completely spaced out, and plastic separators are in front of every desk and in between seats. During check in, they ask you similar questions as in the screening and confirm that you got tested for covid, and it came back negative. Now that I was all checked in all that was left was to wait. There was no one else there yet, so we could sit anywhere in the waiting area. I got called back around 7:45 am, and got taken to get height, weight, vitals, and any tests that needed to be ran before hand. During this, everything has to be disinfected before and after using it, including the scale, the height chart, stethoscope, thermometer, blood pressure cuff etc. Fast forward about an hour and a half, the IV was in, vitals were checked, the team spoke with my mom and I and I was headed back to the OR at about 9 am. When I got in, they had me position myself (another turn of covid) and they were wiping things down and disinfecting constantly throughout the 30 minutes I was awake in the OR. Once everything was positioned, the fluids and medications were going, and everything was sterile I got put under. 

Ten hours later I was in recovery, so much for a quick and easy surgery and recovery. I remember waking up  to a breathing tube still in my throat and my mom not there. Covid restricted parents coming back until patients were totally awake, tube was removed, and everything was disinfected again. I don't remember much of that, but in order to leave masks had to be put back on and we had to get temperatures checked one last time. Once we were in the clear, we were good to leave the hospital at about 9 pm. 

I thought I was done at Children's for the week, but we ended back in the Emergency Department around 11 am the next day. My best friends mom works there, so she reserved us a room and got us through the process fast, but it still was the same obstacles as before. Once we got in I saw a billion doctors it feels like, had another IV put in, medication and fluids ran, a head CT, and an EKG. After another long day, we got screened one last time and got discharged around 6 pm. 

In the end of all of this, covid has made many things much more complicated than they need to be, but it also is just to keep people safe. Things take a little more time, and there are occasional mix ups or people who refuse to follow guidelines. I hope one day we all can look back at how crazy different life was during this pandemic, and I hope its someday soon, for our sake. 

Below are pictures from the check in room, before surgery, and ER. 

 This is my mom, Amber, waiting with me before I went to the OR. 

  This is me right before going into the OR. 

  This was my nurse in the ER the day after surgery. (fun fact, she is also my best friends mom)

Covid, Willy T Edition

 Before this pandemic, I bet you've never experienced such restrictions while studying. When going into the Willy T library, there are signs on the from door saying masks and facial coverings are required at all times, there are hand sanitizer machine everywhere, public computers are not available, and there are (technically) only 2 people allowed per table to contain the social distance rule. My first day coming to the library I witnessed what happens if you don't follow these guide lines. Over the intercom they announce every so often to remain 6 feet apart and to wear your masks at all times. Occasionally there are staff members that monitor students and walk around reminding them to wear their masks, and other restrictions. I was on the second floor of Willy T. and there was a table with about 5 people sitting at it (first violation) and none of them had a mask on. Someone was walking around and simply reminded them they have to be wearing a mask at all times, especially since the social distancing rule was not being followed. They all nodded their heads and continued not wearing a mask. Shortly after, an announcement came over the intercom and reminded everyone in the building to follow the posted guidelines (that at this point, everyone should know). Still they changed nothing, and staff members noticed. Someone walked over to the table and reminded them that if you are in a public place on campus the guide lines must be followed in order to remain there. They argued that they're far enough from other people and eventually got written up for not following restrictions. Before covid, you would never have had to worry about getting in trouble for not having something that covers both your mouth and nose at the same time. Today this seems completely normal. 

Covid Meme

 While looking for memes about covid, I found one that is based on the cast of the TV show Friends 9my favorite show ever) and I have actually seen this one on multiple social media platforms. 

If you've ever seen the show, Rachel goes off of gossip, Monica is always about the facts, Ross is a "scientist" so he would use the scientific name, Joey is clueless, and Pheobe finds a way to sing about everything.

The second meme I found is a Chines meme about wearing household items as a face mask, I have no idea what the memes says, but I have seen some like this that originated in the US as well. 

Food vs. Covid

 In the very beginning of covid, neither mine nor my families diets or relationships to food really changed. Once the lockdown got more serious things started to get more difficult. For me, I work at a pizza place in Northern Kentucky, and during the first few months of covid was working every day. While I was working every day, I was starting to have to eat lunch and/or dinner at work. I would get called in at random times and not have time to eat a meal, so that resulted in me eating out (at work) every night. Now don't get me wrong, I love the food there, but having pizza or hoagies everyday once and sometimes twice a day is not healthy. Especially when there is no time to workout and gyms are closed, eating like that was not a good sign. Once things died down, for a little bit), it became less hectic so I wasn't`t getting called in as often so I was eating more meals at home that weren't so unhealthy. As for my family, eating habits stayed pretty similar other than eating out a little more often. When school switched to online, my mom had to work from home so there was less time to cook some nights because she would still be working. On nights like those we ate take out, fast food, or left overs from the night before. 

Right before covid happened, I had shoulder surgery. I was supposed to be in physical therapy three times a week, and then two times a week once a month had passed. When covid struck, there were limitations and less openings for appointments so my shoulder has still not healed properly or completely. So my physical health I would have to say got worse. But mental health is a whole other story. Many people I know experienced decline in mental health including myself. Even people who had not had issues in the past or were not diagnosed with any type of mental illness started struggling. As covid continues people still are struggling with keeping their mental health under wraps, including myself once again. Experiencing a global pandemic is not easy in any aspect, whether it be with eating or exercise habits, physical and mental health, employment issues, education, or even social life. 

Covid Information

 If I am looking for specific info on anything related to covid, I generally wont go to a specific source, I will just go online and search what I am looking for. I will go through the news sites that come up and see if they match to decide if the information is accurate. I tend to not focus on most social media sites, but occasionally will read different things I find. I normally turn to the CDC for most of the information. Most of my friends and family also rely on CDC and other related sites, but will occasionally look through other sources to determine the most accurate. In my opinion, the way the pandemic has been politicized is far more dangerous than it is itself. The way masks have been politicized is a big issue, if the US would have been able to get the citizens to follow protocols I feel as if the pandemic would be much less of an issue today. Everything nowadays gets politicized which causes many issues no matter the consequences. Many governors are struggling to keep their citizens safe due to the face masks being made political. I have attached a video from CNN News that shows how masks have become political during the pandemic. 

Future Circumstances

As a UK student I have seen a lot of changes due to covid. Before the semester started, all of my courses for the semester had gotten switched to fully online. Although some other students I have met have few or all in person classes, it varies by professor. There have been a lot of news articles that are contradicting each other, some say cases are rising while others say the numbers are steadily decreasing. Life on campus has also been different for everyone. Walking outside, I personally see many students with no mask in sight, or not covering both their mouth and nose like it is supposed to. Others are following precautions and wearing masks as well as following social distancing. If students and other people on campus continue to not take the protocols and safety measures seriously, then I think spring semester is going to get much more restricted. In my opinion, most professors will probably stick to the format in which they have already chosen for the semester, but next semester is a whole other story. Worst case scenario, undergrad students have to move back out of the dorms and do classes online from home. Best case scenario everyone stays on campus and most classes return to normal with masks and social distancing still in place. I think it is a good plan that the university has the students in sororities and fraternities getting re tested. Considering they are going to be around large groups of people more often the chances of the virus spreading among them are very high. Below there is an article, which is specifically on the covid numbers from The University of Kentucky (UK Covid Numbers). Depending on how you look at the information will depend how you see the possible future situations. In the end all we can do is be prepared.

The New Normal

Covid took me by surprise in so many aspects, the life I had known for the past 18 years has been completely altered. Going to school for 6 hours a day, and going out on the weekends was a normal thing before March 12, 2020. When it was announced school would be switched to online for two weeks everyone thought we would return after those two weeks and life would go back to normal. Now, it is August 28, 2020 and this is our new normal. I didn't get my highschool graduation, a senior prom, senior track season, or an official last day of school. I'm a freshman at University of Kentucky and masks are required everywhere you go as well as staying at least six feet apart from other people. I can't even imagine being closer to other people than that anymore. The switch from high school to college is one of the most confusing experiences I have ever had, regardless of the pandemic, so covid just makes it interesting. Everywhere you look on campus there's dots on the floors reminding you to stay six feet apart, as well as signs being put on doors saying that face coverings are required before entering. With every dorm room came two UK masks, hand sanitizer, and an on the go mask holder (below). Never would I have thought I`d say, “I forgot my mask!” as I was leaving my dorm but I look back and can't quite remember life before quarantine. This is the new normal.

The Initial Impact

 My name is Kameron Wright, but I go by Kami. I am from Edgewood, Kentucky but I have lived in Florence for about sixteen years. I moved around a lot from the time I was born until I was about two, which is when I moved to Florence, Kentucky. Growing up I never had to switch schools or leave new friends. I grew up with the same friends most of my life and with most of my family nearby. I come from a pretty “typical”  middle class family in which both of my parents are college-educated and working. As an 18 year old Caucasian, the impact of Covid was not extreme but it did change how we live day to day. My mom had to start working from home eight hours a day and childcare was closed so all three of my younger siblings were home. While school was switched to online, I was a student at Boone County High School and working at Poseidon's Pizza Company. My hours were tripled at work and with school. On school days from about 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. I was completing my own school work as well as helping my first and fifth grade brothers with theirs. On most days I went in to work right at 3 p.m. and didn't get home until 10 p.m. Weekends were busy as well, I would get called in between noon and 4 p.m. and not get home until 11 p.m. Compared to other families, I feel as if my family was not as closely impacted, but like I said it changed our daily lives. I myself am considered high risk with the virus due to many underlying problems. While masks were not mandatory yet and as a nation we weren`t on lockdown I had to wear a mask and gloves at work, and was only allowed to go to work. Most of my friends were still able to hang out with people and go do things, I was not. That definitely impacted and is still impacting my outlook on this pandemic. As of now, I have only tested negative for Covid, but it has come close to me. My dad was suspected to have it before testing was available to everyone so he was quarantined for about two weeks, a friend of mine tested positive entering basic training, and now three of my hometown friends are in quarantine for exposure to the virus. Covid has changed life as everyone knows it and it is going to take time to get used to, but the situation could still get a lot worse so I am grateful that it hasn't.