By Julie Figueroa

COVD-19 is something that has affected each and every one of us, in a slight manner or in a total life-changing way. For some people this has affected their economic stability, their physical way of viewing themselves, and for some people their mental and/or physical health. There are a lot of precautions in place to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 thanks to the government.

As of right now, if you believe you have been exposed to the virus or you have it, then you can get tested but you must show all symptoms in order to get tested, because testing is being prioritized to those who’ve been showing the symptoms, which are; fever, cough, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing, you can get tested at any hospital. As a nation we went from not having enough tests or reliable tests, to having so many that anyone who wants to get tested can, in a very short amount of time.

All the precautions put in place by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy are helping reduce the spread of the COVID-19. The government initiated a curfew of 8 p.m., not only that but they’ve closed all stores that aren’t essentials, to refrain people from leaving their houses unless necessary. These stores will remain closed until this all blows over. All malls, schools and shopping centers are closed, concerts postponed, all this is a great initiative to avoid large gatherings.

This was all put in place by Governor Murphy in the state of New Jersey. When there’s not a lot of people around each other it reduces the spread, we are now to conserve a distance of six feet from strangers wherever we go, so that we don’t get the virus if they have it. Masks and gloves are required whenever you go, these are all precautions placed by the governor that have been keeping all of us safe.

All these precautions are keeping us safe, yes, but keeping many people unemployed. This has affected their day-to-day lifestyles, because they don’t have an income. The government has sent out stimulus checks to help people cope with this, and give them the money that they aren’t making because they aren’t essential workers.

I agree with everything that the governor is doing. He’s doing all of this to keep us safe and virus free, some of these precautions seem like too much, or maybe too many people have been left unemployed but it’s what stopped the rise of the spread. There is rental relief, so certain houses don’t pay rent, this is helpful to the people who aren’t working because it’s one less thing that they have to worry about paying.

This virus has changed the way our lives were drastically. The government plays a strong role in this virus outbreak. When it comes to things like this and the government steps in, it’s usually to help us out in this case that is what they did. Although we may feel a bit restricted because we have a curfew, this is what’s helping to flatten the curve. The government and their role is what’s keeping the virus from spreading.

All of the precautions put in place help us stay safe. Not only that but the checks they handed out for all of us to have some sort of income, is what kept many people fed and with a roof over their head.

I say that the government’s role in this coronavirus is what saved us all, because most of us are not working, and people who are working are working extremely long shifts, and not getting paid so well. This is where the economy took a big hit, because there aren’t many people working, though online shopping has become the new black.

Overall, the government’s role in all of this has been outstanding. The way that they have been able to come out with these strategies and tell us about the precautions we need to take, have been made efficiently and effectively. This is what has reduced the spread of the virus, from us being told to stay home, to even being able to attend school. The government has stepped in – in the best way they could have. It is up to all of us to support these efforts and do our part to stop the spread.