In light of the COVID-19, this is one year that will be jarred into everyone’s memories to tell generations from now, as for a lot of people who were around in 2001. JFK getting assassinated, the space shuttle Challenger explosion are some events that everyone remembers where they were when these tragedies occurred. The gas crisis in 1973 comes to mind.
This virus has affected people worldwide. Many are comparing COVID-19 to the Flu Epidemic in 1917-1918.
COVID-19 has shut down events that have occurred for hundreds of years, even when other viruses have existed. For instance, the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade which has occurred every year in New York since the 1700’s was cancelled.. Presently, Schools, Churches, all sport events, theaters, and all venues of large crowds have been suspended or cancelled altogether.
Memorial Day is the unofficial start of summertime, honoring those who made the ultimate sacrifice, will probably be cancelled if things progress as they are. The Fourth of July is another event that may not be celebrated.
During this year’s Easter (April 12) and Passover (April 8 – April 16) crossed over, and all churches in the tristate area no matter what denomination were forced to have virtual services online (if they were able to). There were some churches in more sparsely populated towns in other states there were allowed to have services.
Pope Francis held a socially distant Easter Mass in St. Peter Basilica with one person in each pew.
Everyday there are updates from New York Governor Andrew Cuomo, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, New York Mayor Bill DeBlasio, Perth Amboy Mayor Wilda Diaz, and South Amboy Mayor Fred Henry. Mayor McCormic of Woodbridge also gives daily updates. Recently, Congressman Frank Pallone held a public phone conference to answer questions about the Coronavirus.
The updates change daily. Please submit updated information to amboyguardian@gmail.com. It will be posted on our website www.amboyguardian.com. For answers to frequently asked questions, and for important links, go to www.perthamboynj.org.
When we look at the Coronavirus, we tend to look at it only through the eyes of our own surroundings and how it affects us. So, to us, the whole country is feeling the effects of COVID-19 the way we are. On April 10, Missouri became the last state mandating closure of all schools. Hopefully schools will be able to open for Fall 2020 classes.
There are some positive things from all of this. People are working feverishly on developing a vaccine and effective treatments for COVID-19. News reports state there are some positive results pending experimental trials. There are many companies producing respirators and private individuals sewing masks for those who need them most.
On a personal level, people are home. Some people are learning to cook, while others are reading books long sitting on their shelf. Pollution is down. Some people are spending more time with their families.
The pandemic is something we would never expect to occur. But in the end, we believe that we can tell future generations how we recovered, stronger, better, and smarter. We always do.
Send us your stories on how you celebrated Easter and Passover in 2020. C.M. & K.M.
