Right now many americans are dealing with an unprecidented time in the history of the United States. Non-essential businesses are closing, workers are being forced to stay home, schooling is taking place from home, and even groups of more than ten people have been banned. Restaurants are staying open, but are changing to only takeout, and no one is allowed to eat in the restaurants. For many, COVID-19 is truly changing life as we know it.

Many people are being laid off from their jobs and will have to rely on the financial aid plan the US voted on March 24, and there is a chance some won’t even get compensated. There are also kids who rely on school to get their meals. Luckily, there are organizations that are dedicated to making sure these kids have meals.

Many celebrities have donated money towards Coronavirus relief. Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively donated $1 Million to Feeding America and food banks in Canada, and Russell Wilson and Ciara donated 1 Million meals to Food Lifeline. 

First off, the non-essential businesses are being closed. In the state of New Jersey, Governor Phil Murphy declared that the following are essential businesses: grocery stores or any shop that sells food, pharmacies, medical supply stores, gas stations, convenience stores, ancillary stores within healthcare facilities, hardware and home improvement stores, banks and other financial institutions, laundromats and dry-cleaning services, stores that principally sell supplies for children under the age of five, pet stores, liquor stores, car dealerships, but only for maintenance and repairs, printing and office supply shops, and mail and delivery stores.

While this may seem like a lot, there are still a lot of people who are not able to work because their job was declared a non-essential business. There are cases where family members are laying each other off in family businesses to save money. That is just really sad to think about.

Next, there are certain social distancing rules that have been set in place by President Trump. These rules include gathering in groups of no larger than ten, and when in a group setting, standing six feet apart from one another. Other mitigation actions include washing your hands, and not touching your face. These rules are in effect through April 30. 

One result of this is, of course, online classes. Almost every, if not every school in the US has switched to online classes or canceled school altogether. While online classes do not make for the ideal learning experience, they are still serviceable in terms of getting an education. It works, and that is all that matters.

Another result of COVID-19 is restaurants being takeout only, or a curbside pickup option, and it is not only restaurants doing this. Best Buy, Dick’s Sporting Goods, and Michaels all are giving the option. But, what is curbside pickup? Curbside pickup is when you can place an order online, or over the phone. The way the ordered item is picked up varies. Some businesses have employees hand the item to the customer, while others do it with minimal interaction, leaving the item to be picked up by the customer.

Right now, society is going through a period of experimentation. With online classes and curbside pickup, Americans could be shaping what the future becomes. For many, it is also a time of uncertainty. It is unknown how long this will go on for, and the government preaching that we abide by these guidelines.