The global economy has collapsed, businesses and schools have closed down and hundreds of thousands, if not millions of people are expected to be infected. The recent outbreak of COVID-19, a pandemic of size unprecedented in the past century, has changed our normal lives and our worries are growing as each day passes. 

After Governor Steve Sisolak closed all K-12 schools in Nevada until April 13, more questions about our education have come up—especially from the Class of 2020. So far, graduation is still set for May, but the prom venue has been cancelled until further notice. However, any assigned work is optional for all grade levels.

Even though this is not the 2020 vision any of us had in mind, it shouldn’t mean the end of the world as we know it. We believe that despite the destructive impact the Coronavirus has set on our lives, we should stay hopeful for a global recovery. 

Everyone is in the same boat of uncertainty—no one is alone. People have lost their jobs and kids are not able to go to school. We should not let this tear us down, but instead bring us together as a community. We still have each other, so spend time with your family and don’t be afraid to reach out and ask for help. We are all fighting this battle together and must do so to return back to our everyday lives.

There are doctors, nurses, pharmacists and others all around the globe providing resources for people to keep everyone as healthy and safe as possible. Governor Sisolak made a good decision in closing schools and non-essential businesses in an effort to flatten the curve of the virus, and it seems to be working. There has reportedly only been two deaths due to the virus here in Las Vegas.

At this point, we all know as a staff, that being home this week has been rough. There’s only so much that we can do like watch Netflix, YouTube, play video games, sleep or do anything else to keep us busy for the time being. But it’s alright because hopefully the next three weeks will go by faster than this week has so we can go back to school and live our normal lives again.

Stay safe, we hope to see you soon.