Swoosh! I shifted to the other side of the road for the fourth time in the approximately 1000 feet I had run from the house in the last 8 minutes. Followed a slight wave of appreciation from the elderly gentleman across the road. I waved back and continued my sprint. I had run this path numerous times as warmups for track meets over the last year but never had to practice this switching road sides every few minutes. Fellow bikers and strollers in the neighborhood seemed to practice the same. Without any verbal exchange or any new road signs, people had accepted “staying away from each other” as an act of respect and love for thy neighbor. The ruthlessness of COVID-19 is the driver of this newly accepted etiquette.

My mother, brother, and I relocated from San Francisco just to be near extended family and within a year I am told “not seeing the family” was the right thing to do – the only way to ensure that we all make it. With the state of our world today, many are unable to visit friends and family, which can cause one to feel lonely and isolated. I have noticed friends behaving “awkward” virtually from loneliness and boredom. But if one reflects on the fact that we are all in the same boat for the basic cause of “life,” perhaps it will help us get through this crisis in a smoother manner. As cliché as it may sound, we have to stay united as we fight to defeat this “invisible enemy.”

If we don’t unite and cooperate, then problems will only intensify. For example, all it takes is one person disregarding physical distancing guidelines for this virus to spread to multiple others. One slight cough from someone not wearing a mask while browsing fruits, and tens of apples become dangerous to consume. A kind gesture like a hug can produce devastating results. In all these cases, there is a common theme - the actions of one person can put countless others at risk.

Luckily, the majority seems to have stepped up to the plate and embraced the role of a responsible citizen. Those knowing smiles when I clear off a fellow runner’s space is evidence to this. Although paramount progress in the medical field is needed for the pandemic to be resolved, the little things like this add up and can truly have an impact.

Finally, it is crucial for us to be considerate of the needs of others and the environment during this time. For example, if we all purchased only the toilet paper or hand soap that we actually need, then perhaps those essential items would still be in stock regularly. By hoarding, we are making other people’s lives more difficult. If we hold ourselves and family members accountable during these tumultuous times, then we can place our faith on the old maxim; this too will pass.

The writer is an 11th grader at Langley High School.