The New Yorker article suggests that the most pressing issue in COVID-19 patient care is actually not about having enough equipment or space, but about not having enough staff to care for patients. Nurses in Houston’s Ben Taub Hospital were working four patients at a time. While hospitals scramble to find nurses, they are also faced with the obstacle of nurses not being transferable: they all have their own specialties. While many nurses were working multiple 12-hour shifts a week, the people of Texas weren’t playing their role in containing the spread. Large gatherings for July 4th, caused the previously declining virus reproduction number to go back up again. Despite this, new treatment approaches and an increased number of nurses from out-of-state are helping to improve the situation in Texas.
Beyond medical professionals and politicians, “the fight against the pandemic depends on individuals” (The New Yorker). The issue of whether or not to wear masks has been largely debated by those who stand for their values of freedom and those who prefer to unite in the fight against stopping the spread of the virus. This debate has been demonstrated through various viral videos on the internet, with independence shouting, non-mask wearing people in verbal and even physical confrontations with store workers who demand customers wear a mask.
The difference in opinions over masks have led to conflicts between people, but the Hotel Corona depicts a scene of unity and contentment. Arabs and Jews are seen getting along, and the ultra-Orthodox and seculars can even celebrate Passover together. The subgroups in Hotel Corona are used to a divide in Israel. The union in the hotel however, demonstrates that people of different backgrounds and beliefs can have respectful conversations and learn more from and about each other. By understanding that regardless of all our differences, that we are all human-beings. We can communicate our differences if we chose to. However, it would be naive to think that one day, people will suddenly live harmoniously all together despite differences.
I like how you connected that in the world there are many instances where differences in opinions lead to conflict between people, but that it did not in Hotel Corona. Everyone in Hotel Corona seems to be getting along and having a great time, no matter what their religion is or what their opinion is on different issues.
I like how you cited outside sources- viral videos- to show that there’s a divided in opinion, on whether or not to wear masks. I believe that Hotel Corona was a beacon of hope, that shows that we can all get along. The fact that they were able to live in peace, and even become friendly, during the quarantine period shows that we aren’t so different after all.
I agree that we can learn to respect others and learn from their differences. It is okay to be different from one another, but the acceptation of those differences is very important in living in harmony with one another. Great writing!
acceptance** 🙂