News: Coronavirus Coverage

CORONAVIRUS COVERAGE

Jon Cutler, News Editor
Published April 28, 2020

COVID-19 headlines continue to dominate the global news cycle as it spreads in an unprecedented manner. The U.S. has been among the hardest hit by the virus’ evasive behavior as cases increase by the hour, and experts predict the peak to still be weeks away. State governments across the nation, including New Jersey, have ordered families to stay in their homes in an attempt to slow the growing infection count. As a result, shut in Americans currently face the challenge of both adjusting to their newfound remote routine and digesting its uncertainty. With no clear end in sight, millions flock to the media for the latest information, hoping for a concrete glimpse into what the future holds in the time of a pandemic.

Art credit: A. Soupios

The U.S. currently leads the official case tally, therefore the outbreak has the potential to leave a devastating effect on communities throughout the country. This has caused a nationwide attempt to mitigate its damage, with the government and media leading the charge. Currently, a form of social distancing is being encouraged, and education is fully available explaining the current circumstances of the virus. Riley Jones, ‘20, believes the press has done a successful job in getting the message out while residents, including himself, remain quarantined at home. “There is a sufficient amount of coverage, enough so that you can become really informed on the subject without much effort,” he said.

Practically every digital media outlet has COVID-related information front and center on their home page, demonstrating the prevalence of this pandemic. A majority of outlets display live death and infection tolls, alongside stories of how the world’s struggle carries on. Americans on all sides of the political spectrum clash over how the situation—including resulting economic fallout—should be handled. Celebrities also have taken to social media to connect with people worldwide over their personal experiences under quarantine.

"[T]his is a giant, generation-defining event that requires us to each do our part to get through it,” Ben Gertner, '20

Among all the communication, one unified message is being pushed: stay home. Americans everywhere are trying to increase awareness, especially in areas yet to be affected. Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, has played a major role in this fight, appearing all across the digital media to help Americans better understand the severity of the danger at hand. “His implementation provides people with an opinion they can trust,” said Jones. Fauci, together with his colleagues, have told the public that the case count has begun to flatten, showing the effectiveness and importance of social distancing measures. President Donald Trump’s coronavirus task force led by Vice President Mike Pence continues to orchestrate the government's handling of this crisis.

New Jersey currently lies second in the case count, behind only New York. Ben Gertner, ‘20, who is bracing for the coming weeks, felt that “while it isn’t good to cause panic, the constant coverage highlighting the situation’s severity is a good reminder and enforcer.” He continued, “We all need to take the precautions necessary to get through this in the best possible manner.” A threat of unknown magnitude looms on the horizon, and the best chance for everyone’s future lies in limiting the spread of this disease. Gertner sees this as a lesson of unity, “It reinforces that this is a giant, generation-defining event that requires us to each do our part to get through it.”

Designer: S. Mannion