Coronavirus Fear Hits Duchesne Community

When walking through the halls of Duchesne, instead of hearing the usual chatter of last night’s basketball game or an upcoming test, there are whispers of one word: Coronavirus. News of this widespread infectious disease has spread all throughout the world, causing fear just about everywhere. 

Even before the drastic floods early last week, stores all over Houston have experienced shortages of gallons of water, hand sanitizer, and masks. It appears that the virus has caused panic, and people are starting to hoard supplies as if they were unable to leave their homes. No surprise. Last week, ABC News told viewers that “now might be a good time to stockpile two weeks’ worth [of food and prescriptions]. Even the Duchesne coffee shop, Cha Cha’s Corner, seemed to be low on chocolate chip muffins. 

I decided to catch up with Duchesne students to see if/how they were preparing for the Coronavirus. Every single person I interviewed was familiar with the virus. Freshman Echo Malinoski-Cunningham said, “My mom got food, extra water, masks, and 64 bottles of hand sanitizer.” 

Along with a downturn in the stock market, the Coronavirus has put a hold on the desire to travel abroad or even within the U.S. Echo said that due to the virus, “I’m probably not going to UC soccer camp this year in California.” However, freshman Brynn Bond said that she wanted to “go to my grandparents’ ranch in the middle of nowhere” [to get away from the city]. Other students, like sophomore Madaline Bolin, said that if the Coronavirus came to Houston, she would “buy gas and invest in the stock market.”

The CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) has advised schools in the United States to start preparing for the potential impacts of the virus. Duchesne Academy sent out a newsletter on Thursday, Feb. 27, saying that “although there is no immediate threat of a Coronavirus outbreak in our community, school administrators are assessing all existing school protocols and making adjustments accordingly to meet the possible future needs of our students.” 

Mrs. Leslie Raun, the ninth grade and AP biology teacher at Duchesne, said that if she had to compare another virus (or epidemic) to the coronavirus, she said, “Ebola, for sure. Or the Swine Flu.” Mrs. Raun said that students should “take the same precautions for any virus: handwashing, not sharing food or drinks, covering your mouth when coughing [or sneezing], and staying home when sick.” 

Mrs. Raun is planning on teaching Epidemiology, a new course offered at Duchesne in the upcoming year. I may sign up for the course! 

Editor's Note: See list of preventative measures, including a list of supplies to have on hand just in case, plus a list of helpful resources, here.