Hey Everyone.

Not my usual cheerful introduction, I know. But the topic I have to talk about today.. it isn't cheerful.

I live in Europe. I was born and raised here. Only my close family is in Europe. My extended family is in Asia. Many people in my family are doctors, including my father, or med students, like my older brother. You don't have to believe me or take my word, but I do know what I'm talking about.

I know, because everyday, I hear someone comment that the Flu, or Ebola, had a higher death rate. You're correct. They also had more time. We also know what they are know, how they work. Their death rate correlates now to who can get treated and who can't, hence high death rates of Ebola in Africa, or how people without the flu vaccine are at risk.

We know very little about COVID-19, and we have no cure or way to delay it.

COVID-19 is one of many strains of the Coronavirus, along with MERS (Middle Eastern respiratory syndromes) and SARS which you have likely heard of by now. Its from the same family as the flu. But the difference is that COVID-19 is fast, and transmits via air unlike the flu which heavily relies on physical contact or very close proximity. COVID-19 can stay in the air, and anyone can be a carrier.

It is spreading and people are dying.

In my country, they are making temporary morgues. Its no longer about if people will die- it's about when. Everyday we hear stories, and the death toll rises. I don't mean to scare people, but I am mad.

I'm mad because people have the AUDACITY to say that is isn't as bad as so and so. Because right now that isn't what is killing people. Because right now it isn't what's making people stay up at night terrified about whether or not they'll wake up to more news of more deaths.

People think this is an exaggeration. And I wish it was. People think others are overreacting and tbh those who over stock toilet paper are yes. I'm not saying fill your house with all types of bathroom items. I'm saying just stay inside. Social distance, maintain good hygiene.

At this point I'm not even saying it. I'm pleading about it. I get it's annoying and I get it can harm livelihoods to an extreme extent. I'm not saying that you shouldn't be upset you have every right to be.

But please, for the love of everything at the very least recognise that it's to protect people. Because people are dying without underlying medical conditions- and doctors die as well.

I really do think that this is survivable. But not if people don't recognise how much of a threat it is. I've seen people cough on others as a joke and I've never felt so sick in my life. I've also listened to the news and heard the story of a father in self isolation, who's children's deaths was told to him by post.
If you're sick of this, then rather then ignoring the rules and make it harder for everyone else, listen to the rules and stay put. The slower it is the less time spent in this way.

This will change after this, naturally, but we have to survive that. I know we will, but how many of us is the worrying question.

I hope you're all safe. I hope your families are okay and that you are able to get through this harsh situation. My DM's are always open, (although they may get flooded so my replies may be slow) so if you're worried I'll be able to at the least lend an ear. I'm wishing for all your safety.

That's all for now
~Aurora