The most recent development in the COVID-19 crisis sweeping the United States is horrifying, yet so quintessentially “American” the phenomenon has almost become humorous: protesting against health and safety measures.
After Democratic Gov. Gretchen Whitmer extended Michigan’s shelter-in-place order through the end of April, she was met with a slew of protestors outside the state’s capital. The protests seemed to have been fueled by recent comments from President Trump urging the nation to “open up” by May 1st, against the advice health care professionals who warn removing precautionary measures–like shelter-in-place orders–would lead to countless more deaths.
While it is easy to think, as many of the protestors do, that local governments are simply overreacting to the COVID-19 crisis, for many individuals highly susceptible to the virus these precautions are the only things keeping them alive. And that isn’t hyperbole. Even younger immunocompromised individuals see shelter-in-place orders as a necessary inconvenience, especially when the alternative is contracting the virus because of someone else’s lapse in precaution.
I caught up with Michael Pavone, a fellow student at Bradley University whose diabetes places him in the high-risk bracket for contracting COVID-19. He talked about the struggles he faces being immunocompromised, living away from his home in New York, and his views on sheltering-in-place.
Where are you sheltering-in-place right now?
So, Bradley kicked me out of the dorms a few weeks ago a little after spring break. I was actually planning on going home before things got really bad, but then New York kinda blew up [in terms of cases]. So now I’m staying with a bunch of friends who live, like, a block away from campus.
Are there a lot of people staying with you?
I mean, there’s five of us. But most of us have been staying in the house since before spring break so we’re pretty safe.
And you’re the only high-risk person among you?
Yeah, but the others have actually been really great about protecting me. They’ll wash their hands a bunch, they don’t invite people over, and they usually grocery shop for me so I don’t have to leave.
Do you still go out, for essential items and other things?
I try not to. Food is the hardest part, to be honest, cause sometimes I just don’t want to cook. So I’ll go to drive-throughs or carry-out, but I try to avoid stores and other stuff.
What precautions do you take when you go out?
I wear a mask and gloves everywhere. My mom sent me a box of black latex gloves and I’ve worn them every time I leave the house. I just have to, you know?
I think we talk about being immunocompromised in strictly medical terms, but what does it mean for you?
I don’t think people realize how common it is to have an immune disorder–like diabetes. People in my life knew I had diabetes, but didn’t know that made me immunocompromised. So when all the coronavirus stuff happened they didn’t get that I’m one of the people who needs to watch out. Basically it means that my immune system is so weak I am more likely to get the virus if I come into contact with it–it also means I’ll probably die if I get it.
Wow, you sound fairly certain.
I mean, I’m pretty sure I’ll die if I get it. I know that’s kinda f**ed up to say, but it’s true. I know my body and I know what happens when I get sick so . . . I’ve just accepted that fact.
A lot of people are complaining about sheltering in place right now–
Yeah, that pisses me off.
Really?
Yeah, it’s just so frustrating hearing about, like, people upset because they can’t go out to eat or they miss going to classes. Cause like . . . I’m over here, like, needing groceries and shit but I know every time I leave the house I’m putting myself at risk. Every time I step out the door I have to ask myself, is this trip worth it? Am I willing to die for some Wendy’s? But to other people it’s just like, oh I’m so bored being home all the time.
If you had the chance, what would say to those people who think the government is overreacting?
It’s not about you, assholes.
Are you looking forward to when this is all over?
I mean, kinda. I’m definitely looking forward to getting back into a routine and, like, leaving my house. But I know I still have to be careful for awhile–probably until they have a vaccine, actually. So it’s just a lot of being cautious, which I’m not great at. On the plus side, I didn’t take great care of myself before the coronavirus. But now I’m definitely more aware of staying healthy and all that, so I guess that’s a win.
Do you think we, as a community, are doing enough to keep people like you safe?
You know . . . I really don’t know. I think individuals are. I see people stepping up all the time, donating masks and following stay-at-home orders. But I also see people who just don’t care and I’m like–it’s not your life you’re risking. It’s mine and every other immunocompromised person’s. So if you’re one of those people who just doesn’t give a f**k, that’s fine. Whatever. But just know, you are just as much of a shitty person as the drunk driver who killed someone else because of their bad decision. Because that’s exactly what you’re doing.
Brenna Fuhr 