What Ifs? and What’s Next?
You hear the word through idle, blubbered small talk. You see the word on a flyer, scotch-taped, outside a window somewhere every day. You engage in posts about the word, maybe even share them. I am sure you have guessed the word I am referring to and are probably thinking the word right now—COVID-19.
The virus first rocked the United States in 2020. Since then, its tectonic plates have not stopped shifting, and society bares its tremors, trying to hang on, staying six feet apart, of course. It has completely altered the landscape of modern life, yet the few proactive solutions to combat deeper rifts are inconsistently practiced and extreme when prompted.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott launched the “Open Texas” initiative in April 2020 in order for businesses and public infrastructure to stay afloat. But other variants rose to the surface in 2021, like Delta and Omicron, which continued after the introduction of wide-scale vaccinations. Even in December 2021, the CDC seemed to backpedal regularly on their COVID-19 restrictions and guidelines amidst staggering infection rates.
The “Open Texas” policies are simple in that there are no official policies presently. Establishments are free to decide their actions or inactions on a case-by-case basis, with each responsible for the fitness of their own operation and potentially the fates of their consumers.
For example, according to their January 7 press release, the Walmart on Richmond Road temporarily closed for sanitization and cleaning in “an ongoing company-initiated program.” It is unclear whether this was a preemptive measure or a response to the rise in cases. The store reopened January 9 and continues to follow CDC mask guidelines.
The holiday season’s traveling and gatherings seemed to have caused a sudden uptick in cases, especially of Omicron. This was inevitable, and the community felt the consequences.
On January 11, Texarkana Arkansas School District (TASD) temporarily closed and reverted to virtual learning, an implementation first seen in the early days of the pandemic. TASD was scheduled to reopen on January 18.
Texarkana Independent School District (TISD) followed suit, closing their doors January 12-January 18.
According to TXK Today, several restaurants announced they were shutting down in-door dining, relying “solely on pickup or drive-thru orders.” Among these were Starbucks and Chick-fil-A.
It’s been three years of “what-ifs” because no one can answer “what’s next?” All the uncertainty has dealt a crushing blow to morale and general wellness.
Business owner Bren Gonzalez began working as a nutritionist in 2017, offering virtual and local consultations and “professional-grade dispensary” services of vitamins through Be Healthy by Bren.
“The second year [of the pandemic] is when my business really grew and I got a lot of orders for supplements and people were being more aware that ‘yes, they’re needed,’” said Gonzalez. “And now we’re going on to the third year and I’m still getting calls weekly. I’ve been getting calls nonstop, you know, sadly, because of what’s going on.”
Hospitals and clinics remain packed all over the nation. Is there more we can do? “I believe that we need medicine, but I also believe that prior to that, there’s preventative care, the more natural route,” said Gonzalez.
For Gonzalez, some things are predictable, like holidays and vacation scenarios.
“For instance, we’re getting hit now, obviously, because we just had holidays and people are eating sugar-filled food, eating more calories and carbohydrates,” said Gonzalez; “all those things play a big role in your immunity, so this hit wasn’t a surprise to me.”
Vaccinations are crucial even though there’s still a risk of infection. “Your immune system is everything, and everybody is going to react differently based on their immune systems,” said Gonzalez. She says that staying mindful of food types and portion sizes is key to a body’s reaction to viruses and is potentially symptom-reducing. “You know, have a cupcake, but don’t eat ten cupcakes.”
She promotes an overall attentiveness in sustaining a healthy lifestyle. Unplugging from your phone and watching less TV will help one feel more productive. She also recommends beginning days in meditation or prayer to center oneself before entering the chaos.
Vaccinations, social distancing and masks have been the anthem. However, Gonzalez gives advice for another tune.
“I feel everyone should have a ‘911 kit,’” says Gonzalez. “Don’t wait to get sick to have what you need. Have vitamin C, zinc and vitamin D in your cabinets as a backup plan. Make sure your [vitamin] levels are where they’re supposed to be so your immunity can fight back and check for viruses and disease.” Not everything can be avoided. Nevertheless, it is best to, at a minimum, attempt preparation.
