Coronavirus Australia: The harsh truth about young people and virus

Young people might not die from coronavirus, but they’re certainly copping most of the blame for spreading it - and that stops here.

COMMENT

Get off our backs.

That’s what I’d like to say on behalf of all young Australians.

Every day, I see more and more posts, more and more stories, and more and more comments about how we aren’t taking COVID-19 seriously.

And you know what? It’s bull.

It’s true: in the beginning, maybe we didn’t take the novel coronavirus seriously enough. But that much can also be said for almost all Australians — the world, even. And it all comes down to the simple fact that we didn’t know.

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We saw it happening on our screens in China, then Italy, and slowly, the world. But like most things, we never think it will happen to us — and when it does, people almost always want to point the finger and cast blame.

Which is exactly what’s happening right now — despite the fact that the vast majority of young people are doing the right thing.

Of course, there will always be people who don’t follow the rules. There will always be people who think they’re the exception, or that their lives are more important, and scoff at the new protective measures being placed upon us.

But it’s not just young people doing this.

Virgin airlines pictured at the Brisbane Domestic Airport. The Queensland border will be closed to all unnecessary travel as Virgin lets staff go due to the effect of coronavirus (COVID-19). Picture: Josh Woning

We have people from all generations blatantly disregarding calls for self-isolation. This is not a “young person” issue: it’s an attitude issue.

And to blame and call out only young people is not only unfair, but it creates an “us verses them” mentality. In a time where we need to come together and support each other, pointing fingers and casting blame is the last thing we should be doing.

Which is why it infuriates me that young people are always the target — despite the fact that we’re some of the most impacted by our changing society.

As if! I hear you scoff.

But it’s true.

Typically speaking, young people often lack the stability and security of full-time work. We’re often casuals without sick pay or leave entitlements. We’re typically renting, and don’t have the security of owning our own homes yet. We typically have low-paying jobs, and little savings.

And we’re a massive portion of those working in industries like hospitality and retail – which have been significantly impacted by COVID-19.

People standing outside the Centrelink office in Port Adelaide. Picture Sarah Reed

Rakes are no where to be seen in the bayside golf course in Melbourne on Wednesday, March 25, 2020. Picture: Michael Dodge

I’ve seen countless stories of young people who have lost their jobs — people who have been told sorry, there’s just no work, and have been left without an income for the foreseeable future.

My housemate Paul, for example, who was working in the live sound industry — but of course, with no concerts, there’s no work, and no income.

My friend Kylie, who works in hospitality, has been left without a job after her workplace’s closure.

“I haven’t been fired — there’s just no work,” the 27-year-old told news.com.au.

“It’s terrifying not knowing what’s going to happen. I’m worried about bills, and how we’ll survive with no income. I’m worried if we’ll even be able to re-open when all this blows over.”

Similarly, 23-year-old Laura, who works in foster care, has also been left without an income or any leave entitlements.

“The major concern for me is how long will this pandemic go for? Will my job be there at the end of it? There’s so much uncertainty. We have no choice but to live day-by-day, not knowing what will happen tomorrow.

“I’m also asthmatic, which makes it an awfully scary world with this virus going around.”

Twenty-four-year-old Kat and her partner had just bought a house before this pandemic hit — and now, her partner’s been told there’s simply no work.

“He works in the shellfish industry, which is largely impacted by the hospitality industry. Obviously, as places to eat are shutting down, they’re not ordering produce. And there’s nothing they can do.”

And as someone with asthma, 25-year-old Katecia — who normally lives in a share-house with seven people — decided to not take any chances, and chose to self-isolate with her parents weeks ago.

“I decided to stay with my parents so I could practice social distancing better,” she told news.com.au.

“I’m now only seeing my parents and brother in person — not even my partner. I’ve been with her for nearly three years, so not seeing her is particularly hard — but it’s worth it to keep safe.”

Sound familiar?

That’s because it is. These are issues we all are facing — and that’s exactly my point. No one group of people are more or less responsible, or more or less to blame.

We are all just doing our best.

Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk sanitises her hands before speaking at a press conference at Parliament House on March 25, 2020 in Brisbane. Picture: Jono Searle

Leader of the Opposition Anthony Albanese (left) and Shadow Minister for Health Chris Bowen speak to the media during a press conference in Circular Quay, Sydney. Picture: Joel Carrett

My friends and I are self-isolating. We’re working from home, if possible. We’re avoiding leaving our homes. We aren’t holding parties, and we aren’t frivolously continuing to live our normal lives.

Instead, we’re finding new virtual ways to support each other, and stave off feelings of isolation.

Last night, I had a movie night with a friend — only, instead of watching in-person, we video called each other.

I’ve also been speaking to 26-year-old immunocompromised Natana, who is hosting a pyjama party through Zoom with friends later this week, to keep both her and those around her safe.

Heck, I’ve even heard of a friend cancelling their 21st birthday in favour of a virtual Netflix party, held safely in isolation.

We care — because we are vulnerable too, and we care about how our actions may impact those around us.

“We shouldn’t be blaming anyone right now,” Lived Experience Counsellor Sonny Jane told

news.com.au.

“Everyone is filed with uncertainty right now. We have no idea where we’re going to be in three months, or six months, or a year — and that is terrifying. It’s normal to be anxious and worried. These are normal reactions in an abnormal situation.”

“But we shouldn’t be blaming anyone. There isn’t anyone to blame. We’re all doing the best we can in a scary and new situation.”

So yes, young people — at least the countless people I spoke to — are very much taking this pandemic seriously.

Because it’s our lives, and our futures on the line, too.

Cleaners enter a premises in Darwin to sanitise a workplace where a close contact of someone who has contracted coronavirus is employed. Picture: Che Chorley

Zoe Simmons is a freelance journalist with a passion for making a difference. You can like her on Facebook or follow her on Twitter for more