In December of 2019, a never-before-seen coronavirus began spreading in Wuhan, China. At the end of December, China alerted the World Health Organization (WHO) that there were several cases of a strange pneumonia in the city of Wuhan. The virus causing the start of this pneumonia was unknown. The virus was identified as a new strain of the coronavirus, which causes a disease called COVID-19. This virus affects the respiratory functions, and it has spread to over 100 countries. On March 11, 2020, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the COVID-19 disease a pandemic (an illness that has a global impact).

As of March 28, the number of cases climbed past 600,000 worldwide, with more than 27,000 deaths. As of this weekend, our country accounted for the highest number of coronavirus infections in the world with more than 124,000 cases. Recently, our country’s death toll went past 2,000.

Beyond the health risks, the COVID-19 pandemic has been heavily affecting the world’s political, social, and economic institutions. In fact, the coronavirus has brought about major economic turmoil across the globe. 

In response to the alarming situation, The Federal Reserve (central bank of the US) cut interest rates half a percentage point. This action was intended to encourage business investment to stimulate the economy, but so far, no improvements have shown. Public fear has greatly contributed to the downward trend in the economy. As more and more workers across the country are unable to go to work due to the coronavirus, the economic situation will likely only get worse. The United States is implementing relief for both businesses and individuals in the near future! 

As for our own local community, before there were even reported cases of COVID-19, schools closed. This abrupt closing has especially weighed on the Wayne Valley community. The teachers scrambled to learn the basics of remote learning. All New Jersey schools will remain shut down until the dangers of the pandemic passes. 

As of April first, the number of infected Wayne residents is over 100 and at least two people have passed away from Wayne. As a result, Mayor Vergano has shut down all of the parks and basketball courts. He has also pleaded with the public to stay in their own neighborhoods because many of the lake communities have seen an increase in walkers and bikers. He has also begun addressing the town to give them updates on a daily basis. To see his addresses and town information regarding the pandemic, go to https://waynetownship.com/26-homepage/488-corona-virus-update.html

Before school was officially closed, junior Adrian Anaemeje remarked, “The outbreak should be a big concern for Wayne, especially since we are in close proximity to the city. It’ll definitely complicate standardized testing like the SATs and AP tests.”

In fact, the College Board has already cancelled the administration of the March 14 SAT in over 14 countries. In the US, many SAT registrations have been postponed and cancelled.There have been even further adjustments to standardized testing such as the suspension to the NJSLA, New Jersey’s state educational test. 

We will continue to update this article and add others to our newspaper to keep you informed!