As COVID cases are continuing to rise, rumors of a second “shut-down” are rising as well. Although many people do not want to quarantine, these decisions are not only made for their safety but also made for the safety of others. A complete shut-down may be the best way of dealing with the virus. Whether people choose to admit it or not, COVID cases continue to rise each day, often setting a new record for positive tests on a daily basis. This does not just apply to the total number of positive cases, but the daily number of positive tests as well. According to washingtonpost.com, “U.S. reports nearly 100,000 new cases in one day as infections surge…” Although many people are getting over the virus seemingly without issue, others are dying. The nytimes.com claims, “The United States records over 1,000 deaths for the fourth straight day.” The cases have additionally continued to get closer to home, as an individual who knew someone that may have been in contact with someone who tested positive for the virus, becomes the individual themself having COVID. A second quarantine would be difficult, as it was last time, but it is an obstacle everyone could overcome together, once again.  Without every single person committing to staying away from other people, the shut-down would be pointless. While a second shut-down would not extinguish the virus, it would have a more effective impact on stopping the spread of the virus than simply wearing masks and using hand sanitizer. It would also give people that have COVID time for the symptoms to occur, as well as providing them with time to safely get over the virus. A popular concern about a shut-down is that it will be harder for students to learn. However, this concern does not make much sense, because online schools have been functioning for a long time, and many schools have already begun complete virtual learning. Schools are in a much better position than they were when the shut-down occurred in the spring, so a shut-down should not have anywhere near as a significant impact on students, as it may have in March. Having a shut-down now might even make it possible for students in virtual learning to attend school again in a hybrid or quite possibly even full-back setting later in the school year. If a shut-down is handled correctly, then further shut-downs may not even be needed. A simple few weeks of committing to staying at home could affect future weeks, months, or even years of our lives. A complete shut-down also does not necessarily need to be horrible and dreaded. Although it will be difficult to stay at home for weeks on end, this could be used as a time to try new things. Do something out of your comfort zone, like baking, gaming, or writing. Remember, you are not just doing this for yourself, but for the people around you. The decisions you make could have permanent effects on you, and everyone else around you.

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