Gen Z and the coronavirus: ‘What, me worry?’

by Ariyon Dailey | Editor-in-Chief
Photo Courtesy of BusinessInsider.com

Mass hysteria and safety measures due to the coronavirus have become more intense throughout the week, canceling conferences, cruises and concerts.

Schools, businesses and general public gatherings across the country are on a hiatus as health concerns rise.

But Gen Z’ers aren’t stopping their excursions over this fast traveling pandemic.

The entire world is specifically monitoring the human virus COVID-19, that stands for “corona virus disease” that caused the 2019 outbreak, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

There are more than 2,000 confirmed cases in the United States, but that number is steadily increasing by the hour.

Following millennials, Gen Z are people born between 1997-2012 that are stereotyped as the generation raised on social media and is absolutely desensitized to everything.

Some spring break plans amid coronavirus hysteria may just prove that stereotype to be true.

There have been dozens of social media posts — serious and sarcastic about taking advantage of traveling opportunities.

“I’m ready to get tf, ASAP. I never cared,” Chris French said.

French is a junior music industry student at Florida A&M University. French will be traveling to Atlanta and Chicago, paid for by his father during the scheduled spring break.

Flights, cruises, hotels and rental car prices have become incredibly low amid the virus fears. Gen Z’ers who usually can’t afford trips like this are choosing to take their chances on the low prices.

When French was asked if he thinks the virus would affect him, he responded: “I doubt it. I’ve made it this far.”

Unfortunately, not everyone is able to enjoy the excitement of their vacation.

Ryn Harris, a business management and marketing student at Florida State University, planned to take a weeklong trip to Immokalee in South Florida to volunteer with farmers and detained families.

But FSU felt it would be best to cancel the trip as a precaution to the coronavirus.

“I’m actually super bummed. I was really looking forward to spending the week meeting new people, connecting with classmates, and educating myself on immigration,” Harris said.

Many Gen Z adults planned to take mission trips out of the country during spring break and most were canceled.

“Though highly contagious, I think the virus is not as dangerous as the public is making it seem,” Harris said.

But Harris believes that we should still be considerate of the wellbeing of others, while navigating the pandemic.

Mid-March through April is generally spring break for the United States, and most trips are planned far in advance.

The CDC and health professionals advise that there should be minimal travel because of how widespread the virus has become.

President Donald Trump even put a 30 day ban on people from Europe trying to enter the United States.

The Motherland Connection is a program that takes students on a weeklong trip to Dubai every spring break.

Brian Nwanze, a healthcare management student, will be attending this trip and isn’t worried about the coronavirus.

“Of course it’s serious, but it isn’t the world’s first health pandemic. I’ve done my research and I feel comfortable enough to leave the country,” Nwanze said.

His research included a report from the World Health Organization, stating that there has been the least amount of confirmed cases in the continent of Africa.

Gen Z adults may not be afraid to travel because it’s believed that the virus affects the elderly with weakened immune systems. But young adults and children are not immune to the virus, but older adults or people with chronic illnesses are at higher risks according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“The youngest three age ranges, spanning 0-39 years old, account for just 16 percent of cases,” according to MyNorthWest.com.

Taylor Gent, a junior pre-med biology student will not be canceling her spring break trip to Jamaica because of coronavirus fears.

“I have already paid over $1,000 for an expedited passport, flight and travel, Airbnb and clothing. And I have not even arrived to Jamaica yet,” she said with a laugh.

Gent said she and her friends will continue to sanitize and remain safe. She also said that her flight and AirBNB hasn’t canceled or plans to refund them.

The CDC and World Health Organization advises that people practice proper hygiene and frequently wash their hands to protect themselves from catching the virus.

Gen Z is always providing comedic relief during matters that should be taken serious. But their vacation plans and trips are no joke.