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<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown"> April 18, 2020</div>
<div class= "expo">Countries around the world have implemented stay home measures to slowdown the COVID-19 Pandemic.
With all this extra time you have at home, you find yourself getting bored.
</div>
<div class= "questions">What do you do?</div>
[[Scroll through Instagram->Instagram]]
[[Read some interesting articles online->Articles]]
<div class= "expo">You scroll through your instagram feed.
While it was usually populated with a diversity in photographs, the lockdown has transformed your feed into a collage of dalgona coffee, banana bread, and bingo.</div>
<div class="questions">You feel:</div>
[[Happy that your friends are finding solace in these hobbies, so you scroll to the end of your feed->premise continue]]
[[Bored with your feed. You want to see something new->premise continue]]
<div class= "expo">You start reading interesting articles online.
One link leads to another, until you find yourself deep in the weird parts of the internet.</div>
<div class="kindaseedy">
Time Machine Mechanics for Pre-Pre-Quantum Mechanists
Tarot readings for the 247th Multiverse
</div>
<div class="questions">You feel:</div>
[[Intrigued by time travel and the multiverse. And a little hungry. Could go for some ramen.->premise continue]]
[[Confused how you ended up here. You should get some rest.->premise continue]]
<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Welcome.</div>
<div class= "expo">This experience is a visual novel, "choose your own adventure"-style game that compiles testimonies of life in quarantine.</div>
[[ Click to Begin->Exposition]]
[[Visit the Map| http://map-courses.usc.edu/iml477/map.html]]
<div class= "expo">Good choice!
As you're about to log off, you see an interesting advertisement pop on.</div>
<div class= "animated2 flash seedy">Coronavirus SUCKS. If you could change your fate, would you?</div>
[[Bored and willing to give this seedy ad a chance, you tap on the link.->Character Choice]]<div class="alert">The ad redirects to a pop-up.</div>
<div class="seedy">Choose your fighter!"</div>
<div class="questions">You choose</div>
<table class= "imgLinks">
<tr><td><a data-passage="Nurse Jan 1"><img src="images/Nurse1.png" alt="nurse" /></a></td>
<td><a data-passage="Old Jan 1"><img src="images/Senior1.png" alt="senior" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td><a data-passage="Student Jan 1"><img src="images/Student1.png" alt="Student Jan 1" /></a></td>
<td><a data-passage="Postman Jan 1"><img src="images/Mailwoman1.png" alt="Postman Jan 1" /></a></td></tr>
</table><div class="importantDates animated slideInDown"> January 23, 2020</div>
<div class="animated2 shake alert"> BZZZ BZZZ BZZZZZ!</div>
<div class= "expo">Your phone alarm buzzes with notifications.
You have a few texts and a News notification, talking about how Wuhan, China has been closed off due to Coronavirus. </div>
<div class="news"><img src="images/wuhan.jpg" alt="news"/></div>
[[You've been transported back to the past!->Nurse Jan 2]]<div class= "expo">A quick check of the ID on your lanyard says you are a 35 year old nurse living in LA. You work full time shifts at the nearby hospital 4 times a week. You live alone and your family is all out-of-state.
You know how bad this is going to get… but will it be enough to keep you inside?</div>
<div class="questions">Do you:</div>
[[Go out with my friends!! Enjoy the Californian sunshine while I can.->NJ2A]]
[[Not taking that chance. Finally going to binge that Netflix series cooped up in my apartment.->NJ2B]]
[[The occasional drinks or hikes maybe. Definitely not going to that rave happening this weekend.->NJ2C]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Jan 31, 2020:</div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">213 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news">W.H.O. declared a global health emergency, Trump administration restricted travel from China.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">Ah, it feels good to savour that last bit of freedom. Yoipes. Not a fan of that farmer’s tan, though. </div>
[[Continue->Nurse Feb 1]]
<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Jan 31, 2020:</div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">213 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news">W.H.O. declared a global health emergency, Trump administration restricted travel from China.</div>
<div class= "expo">Okay. So maybe two Netflix series. Getting that cabin fever. Was it too early to do that?</div>
[[Continue->Nurse Feb 1]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Jan 31, 2020:</div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">213 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news">W.H.O. declared a global health emergency, Trump administration restricted travel from China.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">I only had one drink last night. Alright. Maybe two. Three, four, ooh, that person was cute -- accidentally went to that stupid rave after all.</div>
[[Continue->Nurse Feb 1]]<div class="importantDates">Feb 7:</div>
<div class="expo">You hear that a Chinese doctor who tried to raise the alarm died.</div>
<div class="importantDates">Feb 13:</div>
<div class="expo">You hear that there are more than 14,000 new cases in Hubei Province. </div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">638 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="expo">This really scares you even though you know what is going to follow.</div>
[[Continue->Nurse Feb 1a]]
<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Feb 23, 2020: </div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">2921 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news"><img src="images/diamondprincess.jpg" alt="news" />
621 people aboard the Diamond Princess ship were infected. Italy sees major surge in coronavirus cases and officials lock down 10 towns near Milan.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">I feel good that I at least warned them, but I soon realize nothing really changes. They signed up for their shifts weeks ago -- they’re not going to suddenly change all that just because I told them to. </div>
[[Continue->Nurse March 1]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Feb 23, 2020: </div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">2921 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news"><img src="images/diamondprincess.jpg" alt="news" />
621 people aboard the Diamond Princess ship were infected. Italy sees major surge in coronavirus cases and officials lock down 10 towns near Milan.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">“What the hell! You know I have my grandkids coming that week!” Yells my colleague Jillian, who is asked to reshuffle her shifts to accomodate my own. I don’t feel great about it, but, hey, I have to survive.</div>
[[Continue->Nurse March 1]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Feb 23, 2020: </div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">2921 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news"><img src="images/diamondprincess.jpg" alt="news" />
621 people aboard the Diamond Princess ship were infected. Italy sees major surge in coronavirus cases and officials lock down 10 towns near Milan.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">My department head asks me why I would take so many shifts. But I know I have a duty. I know my help will be called for very, very soon.</div>
[[Continue->Nurse March 1]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">March 3rd: </div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">3118 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news"><img src="images/testing.jpg" alt="news" />
USA issues do-not-travel warning to Italy and South Korea, and lifts federal restrictions on coronavirus testing.</div>
<div class="expo">It is nearing mid-march, you know that everything is about to change, but people do not understand the scale.</div>
[[Continue->NM1aa]]<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">4292 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class= "expo">Garage gets raided by LAPD and you pay a fine. Congrats -- now you’re the town asshole.</div>
[[Continue->Nurse boom corona]]<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">4292 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">My friend Maya, a freelance graphic designer, recently said “It’s easy for you to say -- you’re not going to lose your job,”. We got into a bitter, bitter argument that had no winners. I said I'd help however I could, and yet I knew that wouldn't come close to being enough.</div>
[[Continue->Nurse boom corona]]<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">4292 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class= "expo">Get interviewed by the LA Times and spread the news! Explain how other cities can follow your example. </div>
[[Continue->Nurse boom corona]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">March 11, 2020:</div>
<div class="news"><img src="images/pandemic.jpg" alt="news"/>
The W.H.O declares the novel coronavirus outbreak to be a <div class="importantDates shake-opacity shake-constant shake-constant--hover">pandemic</div>
President Trump declares a national emergency.</div>
<div class="importantDates">March 15, 2020:</div>
<div class="news">The C.D.C. recommends no gatherings of 50 or more people. LA county issues a “stay-at-home” order soon after.</div>
[[Continue.->NBC2a]]
<div class= "questions">Here is what some of your coworkers and friends are saying:</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">"You're just realizing what our system has been doing all along because it's affecting you personally. The truth is, we're nothing but tools to serve the ultrawealthy. Completely disposable until they run out. Then they'll call you back when things get dire with praise and promises in order to use you until there's nothing left."</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">"We had a 21 year old SLIGHTLY preeclamptic patient emergency intubated for respiratory distress a few weeks ago.
Docs refused to test. Blamed the blood pressure. Her highest pressure was 150s.
So they refused to test, told us we were all ridiculous.
From the doorway.
Because they wouldn't enter the room at all. Just in case."</div>
[[Continue->NBC2aa]]
<div class="importantDates">July 14:</div>
<div class="news">States begin issuing immunity passports to healthcare workers who have developed antibodies.</div>
<div class="importantDates">July 23:</div>
<div class="news">State officials face criticism for allowing non-essential businesses to operate.</div>
<div class="questions">Do you go to get tested for antibodies?</div>
[[I go. It is the responsible thing to do as a healthcare worker, and chances are I’ve developed the antibodies.->NJu2A]]
[[I don’t get tested because I am worried that I won’t have them, and will have to disclose that to my boss which is risking getting fired.->NJu2B]]
[[I don’t go, but ask my boss to reassign me to a different department. I’d rather earn less money and wait for the vaccine.->NJu2C]]<div class= "expo">You have developed antibodies! You feel safer working, and your boss gives you a promotion. However, now your coworkers are relying on you to pick up the slack across departments. You feel tired and overworked. You run into your friend Mai in the lunchroom one day - she did not develop antibodies and is worried she will be out of a job soon.</div>
<div class="importantDates">July 28:</div>
<div class="news">USA has poured money into having widespread COVID-19 antibody tests available. Companies begin requiring employees to show proof of immunity to avoid getting fired</div>
[[Continue.->Nurse Nov 1]]<div class= "expo">My boss puts pressure on me to get tested, and soon I think it will be a requirement. I just can’t risk getting fired and don’t know what to do.</div>
<div class="importantDates">July 28:</div>
<div class="news">USA has poured money into having widespread COVID-19 antibody tests available. Companies begin requiring employees to show proof of immunity to avoid getting fired</div>
[[Continue.->Nurse Nov 1]]<div class= "expo">You get reassigned to administrative duties and are unable to face patients. It bothers you that your training is being wasted - you should be out there, doing your duty. But you think you made the right decision for your personal health.</div>
<div class="importantDates">July 28:</div>
<div class="news">USA has poured money into having widespread COVID-19 antibody tests available. Companies begin requiring employees to show proof of immunity to avoid getting fired</div>
[[Continue.->Nurse Nov 1]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">September 26:</div>
<div class= "expo">With elections right around the corner, healthcare labor unions and pressure groups around the country are demanding concrete healthcare reform plans from the Presidential candidates.</div>
<div class="questions">What are you hoping changes after these candidates are put in office?</div>
[[Healthcare remains privatized, but privatized healthcare providers are expected to abide by higher standards and invest heavily in telemedicine.->NN2A]]
[[Healthcare switches to majority government-provided healthcare, with Medicare for All being a core policy pushed to mainstream discussion.->NN2B]]
[[Nothing should change, we handled the pandemic the best we could and big changes to the healthcare system would only create chaos and confusion.->NN2C]]<div class= "expo">One week after the election, a second wave of new Coronavirus cases have been identified and the virus is once again rapidly spreading. The majority of the US public seems to agree with the decision you have just made, and so the incoming President has adopted that as his strategy to address the second wave.
In January under the new Presidency, with the availability of telemedicine and rapid-testing, this new wave of cases is stifled before it grows unmanageable. However, you pass by skid row on your way to work, and are aware that lower-income communities still face the brunt of the second wave.</div>
[[Happy New Year 2021!->Nurse Apr 1]]<div class= "expo">One week after the election, a second wave of new Coronavirus cases have been identified and the virus is once again rapidly spreading. The majority of the US public seems to agree with the decision you have just made, and so the incoming President has adopted that as his strategy to address the second wave.
In January under the new Presidency, lower income and disadvantaged communities are now eligible for Medicare for (almost) All. Communities without access to healthcare insurance coverage are now protected. The second wave is stifled successfully.</div>
[[Happy New Year 2021!->Nurse Apr 1]]<div class= "expo">The second wave of new Coronavirus cases have been identified and the virus is once again rapidly spreading. The majority of the US public seems to agree with the decision you have just made, and so the incoming President has adopted that as his strategy to address the second wave.
In January under the new Presidency, the government passes a new nation-wide stay at home order that is required of all states, regardless of local governors. Some people are enraged, others grateful.</div>
[[Happy New Year 2021!->Nurse Apr 1]]<div class="importantDates">2 April 2021:</div>
<div class="news">Researchers warn production constraints and hoarding could limit SARS-CoV-2 vaccine supplies. If a coronavirus vaccine arrives, can the world make enough?</div>
<div class="importantDates">13 April 2021:</div>
<div class="seedy">A Vaccine for COVID-19 is here! Come one, come all. After two waves of the virus, people can finally protect themselves for good. </div>
[[Continue!->NA2aa]]<div class= "expo">Since all other “uncritical” vaccines have been stopped, hundreds of thousands of people are dying from diseases that had typically high survival rates. Anti-vax pressure groups grow larger in their influence.</div>
[[Continue to End Screen->End]]<div class= "news">The world has become a mass production line for the COVID-19 vaccine. Everyone has been able to receive it thus far, and no shortages are in sight.</div>
[[Continue to End Screen->End]]<div class= "news">China and the U.S. face global criticism for hoarding vaccines. They both face retaliatory measures like increased tariffs from global powerholds like Canada and the U.K.</div>
[[Continue to End Screen->End]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Congratulations! </div>
<div class= "expo">You have reached the end of the COVID-19 timeline.
You can explore this pandemic through another character, or explore the interactive map of videos of COVID-19 experiences around the globe. </div>
[[Explore another Character->Character Choice]]
[[Visit the Map| http://map-courses.usc.edu/iml477/map.html]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown"> January 23, 2020</div>
<div class="animated2 shake alert"> BZZZ BZZZ BZZZZZ!</div>
<div class= "expo">Your phone alarm buzzes with notifications.
You've been transported back to the past!
You are 75 years old and in relatively good health—excepting normal aging issues.
You live in a small house with your partner of 35 years who is not in good health—they recently recovered from a cancer operation and their immune system is very weak.</div>
[[Continue->Old Feb 1]]<div class= "questions">Sorry! This path is currently locked. Please return and play another character!</div><div class="importantDates animated slideInDown"> January 23, 2020</div>
<div class="animated2 shake alert"> BZZZ BZZZ BZZZZZ!</div>
<div class= "expo">Your phone alarm buzzes with notifications.
You've been transported back to the past!
You are a middle class second year college student who lives on campus in student housing and has a job provided by the university. Your family lives in another state.
One day, you hear that someone in a nearby dorm has something called the coronavirus. Like the beer?</div>
[[Continue->Student Jan 2]]
<div class= "expo">It turns out, it’s a false rumor. The hysteria dies down, and you continue on as usual, but some students start to be more cautious of germs.</div>
<div class="questions">Do you:</div>
[[Start wearing a mask when walking around campus->SJ2A]]
[[Make sure to wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face->SJ2B]]
[[Not change anything. Should we even believe the media?->SJ2C]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Jan 31, 2020:</div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">213 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news">W.H.O. declared a global health emergency, Trump administration restricted travel from China.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">People look at me funny, and ask me if I’m sick. Is this really necessary? Or am I just overreacting?</div>
[[Continue.->Student Feb 1]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Jan 31, 2020:</div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">213 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news">W.H.O. declared a global health emergency, Trump administration restricted travel from China.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">My hands are drying up from constant hand washing, my nail beds are cracking. Lotion helps myhands, but now I’m leaving grease marks all over my phone screen. Ugh!</div>
[[Continue.->Student Feb 1]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Jan 31, 2020:</div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">213 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news">W.H.O. declared a global health emergency, Trump administration restricted travel from China.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">I scoff at the fear-mongering media. This coronavirus beer thing is a fad. I have better things to spend my time on.</div>
[[Continue->Student Feb 1]]<div class="importantDates">Feb 7:</div>
<div class="expo">You hear that a Chinese doctor who tried to raise the alarm died. </div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">638 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class= "expo">You wonder if you should adjust your behavior.</div>
<div class="questions">Do you:</div>
[[Stop going to parties and large group gatherings->SF1A]]
[[Avoid restaurants and most public spaces->SF1B]]
[[Live it up while you can. You got a pretty good immune system, right?->SF1C]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Feb 23, 2020: </div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">2921 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news"><img src="images/diamondprincess.jpg" alt="news" />
621 people aboard the Diamond Princess ship were infected. Italy sees major surge in coronavirus cases and officials lock down 10 towns near Milan.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">My friends are hanging out for Valentine’s Day, and I feel a little left out. But better safe than sorry.</div>
[[Continue->Student March 1]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Feb 23, 2020: </div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">2921 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news"><img src="images/diamondprincess.jpg" alt="news" />
621 people aboard the Diamond Princess ship were infected. Italy sees major surge in coronavirus cases and officials lock down 10 towns near Milan.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">I start getting my food delivered, but the food arrives lukewarm, and it’s expensive. </div>
[[Continue->Student March 1]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Feb 23, 2020: </div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">2921 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="news"><img src="images/diamondprincess.jpg" alt="news" />
621 people aboard the Diamond Princess ship were infected. Italy sees major surge in coronavirus cases and officials lock down 10 towns near Milan.</div>
<div class="anecdotes">I grab a bowl of frosted flakes, and go out for an awesome run. I’m feeling GRRREAT!</div>
[[Continue->Student March 1]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">March 11, 2020:</div>
<div class="news"><img src="images/pandemic.jpg" alt="news"/>
The W.H.O declares the novel coronavirus outbreak to be a <div class="importantDates shake-opacity shake-constant shake-constant--hover">pandemic</div>
President Trump declares a national emergency.</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">Ok, shit is getting real. The school announced online classes, and students have begun to self-isolate. On campus activities, including your job, have been suspended. Luckily, the university is not kicking me out of housing yet, and atleast I'm being paid a portion of my salary.
</div>
<div class="questions">Do you:</div>
[[Stay in campus housing->SM1A]]
[[Move home->SM1B]]<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">4292 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">It’s easy to keep up with online classes since I’m in the same time zone as when lecture begins. However, it’s a little risky being in a building with so many people, and eating in a dining hall.</div>
[[Continue->Student April 1 A]]<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">4292 confirmed deaths globally</div>
<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">March 11, 2020:</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">It’s a bit hard to focus on class with my dog and siblings running around, but I manage.</div>
[[Continue->Student April 1 B]]<div class= "expo">Someone who works in the dining hall tests positive for Covid-19. Your parents are worried and you pack up and move home.</div>
While at home, how well are you social distancing?
[[I only leave home to walk the dog, and order groceries online->SA1A]]
[[I see a friend, but we stay 6 feet apart, and afterwards I go to the grocery store->SA1B]]<div class= "anecdotes">At first, I was bored, but now staying home is routine. I only need to eat twice a day now since I don’t get hungry.</div>
<div class="importantDates">Apr 30:</div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">227,3193 confirmed deaths globally</div>
[[Continue.->Student May 1]]<div class= "anecdotes">I visited my friend’s house to drop off a cake, but as I pulled up to the grocery store, I realized I left my mask at their house. The personnel managing the line to enter the store said I could enter if I tied my sweater over my face. The things we have to do..
Oh well, when I got home, I put spare masks in the car.</div>
<div class="importantDates">Apr 30:</div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">227,3193 confirmed deaths globally</div>
[[Continue.->Student May 1]]<div class= "expo">You're starting to get stir crazy and sick of your family, but the stay at home/shelter in place got extended to May 15th.</div>
While at home, how well are you social distancing?
[[I only leave home to walk the dog, and order groceries online->SA1A]]
[[I see a friend, but we stay 6 feet apart, and afterwards I go to the grocery store->SA1B]]<div class= "expo">You complete the semester with online finals. You stop getting paid for your job. Most jobs and internships have been cancelled, and travel is out of the question.
On May 15, the state begins to reopen society.
</div>
<div class= "questions">How are you going to survive this summer?</div>
[[I am free! I want to go out!->SMy1A]]
[[I follow the government’s guidelines about social distancing->SMy1B]]
[[I stay home. I don’t feel safe to break quarantine yet->SMy1C]]<div class= "anecdotes">Yay!! I hop out of my PJs and into my favorite overalls. No mom’s oatmeal for me today. I hit up my friends for breakfast, and we grab chocolate donuts and mochas. I feel so good, so free, I forgot that this freedom is normal. But how can I make some money this summer?</div>
[[Continue to June->Student June 1]]<div class= "anecdotes">My friends host a party! But I’m not so sure... there are still social distancing guidelines. I can’t cut myself loose. I head over to their house with a mask on. When are things really going to be normal again?</div>
[[Continue to June->Student June 1]]<div class= "anecdotes">I heard about the possible reemergence of the virus, I’m going to just stay home till the end of summer. By now, I’m used to it anyway.</div>
[[Continue to June->Student June 1]]<div class= "expo">It’s been another month. The government advises businesses to enforce social distancing guidelines well into the next year. The job market is desiccated. The global economy is experiencing the deepest recession since the Great Depression. </div>
<div class="questions">What are you going to do?</div>
[[It’s summer time, hakuna matata! There’s no jobs worth working, I'll just have the best summer possible.->SJu1A]]
[[I get a job, any job will do.->SJu1B]]
[[I enroll in online summer courses in the nearby community college.->SJu1C]]
<div class= "expo">My parents are understanding - that this isn’t the summer that I’ve hoped for. They also want me to stay safe and are totally okay with me not having a job. Mom pays me an allowance for doing chores. With the time I have left, I hang out with my friends. Let’s hope that everything will be back to normal by the next school year.</div>
[[Continue to December->Student December 1]]<div class= "expo">My parents advised me to get a job, any job will do. Most of my friends can’t even find jobs. I start offering landscape and dog-walking services. There’s no summer vacation for me this year, and the next school year still looks uncertain.</div>
[[Continue to December->Student December 1]]<div class= "expo">The job market is so bad, I don’t even want to try to find a job. My parents agree. Instead, I choose to spend my summer taking online courses so that I can save some money and graduate a year early.</div>
[[Continue to December->Student December 1]]<div class= "expo">2020 has been quite the turn of the decade. Fall semester is finally over, with online classes having been made optional. This will continue into the Spring semester. You got your work-study job back in August, thank goodness. Testing for the virus continues, and social distancing is continuously implemented. No one in your family personally knows of anyone who has been afflicted by the coronavirus.</div>
[[My family and I carry out the holiday festivities as usual.->SD1A]]
[[For the safety of everyone, my family decides to stay home instead of visiting my grandparents.->SD1B]]
[[I decide to stay on campus to work during the holidays, and remain cautious in maintaining social distancing.->SD1C]]<div class= "expo">Me and my family usually visit my grandparents, but this year, my parents tell me to keep it on the down-low so that we don’t receive criticism from neighbors who are more serious about continuous maintenance of social distancing.</div>
[[Continue to May 2021->Student May 2]]<div class= "expo">My mom thinks it is still a risk for me to fly home, so I drive home instead. But this year, insteadof warm chocolate chip cookies from grandmama, grandmama shares with me and my siblings her secret recipe! Score!</div>
[[Continue to May 2021->Student May 2]]<div class= "expo">My parents think that it will be better for me to not fly home, but I don’t have a car. They agree that it will be better for me to stay on campus. At least I’ll get to pick up some extra hours at work, and my best friend, who is from Europe, is staying on campus with me, too.</div>
[[Continue to May 2021->Student May 2]]<div class= "expo">You’re getting ready to graduate. With the job market steadily returning back to normal, you feel hopeful.
A vaccine hasn’t been developed yet, but you reflect on the whole situation and wonder whether you will get the vaccine or not.</div>
<div class="questions">Do you:</div>
[[I decide to get a job, and establish my career.->SMY2A]]
[[I decide to travel the country for 6 months before I have to start repaying your student loans.->SMY2B]]
[[I decide to go to graduate school.->SMY2C]]<div class= "anecdotes">I’ve been offered two great opportunities, one out of state, and one near where my parents live.My parents offer me free room and board, so that I can repay my student loans! It sounds like the most responsible choice. However, I am also itching to leave the nest. I decide to take the job offer in New York City. I’ve always wanted to live in The Big Apple! Since the catastrophic pandemic, I notice that the city is much quieter, but also cleaner. I love my new job, and I meet someone extra special :)</div>
[[Continue to End Screen->End]]<div class= "anecdotes">I saved enough money from work-study, and I’ll have enough to go on a cross country trip! Yeehaw! I really needed a good break from college and this whole coronavirus situation. My best friend and I buy an old camper van. I’ve convinced my mom I will stay safe and away from the coronavirus. I plan a scenic route from one national park to another. This whole situation has taught me so much about the little things I take for granted, like warm sunshine, and breathing in fresh air!</div>
[[Continue to End Screen->End]]<div class= "anecdotes">I’ve gotten accepted into a new school, where I’ll be seeing new faces and feeling new vibes. I heard that grad school is way more fun than college, more freedom and less homework. Plus, I’msuper excited at the idea of becoming a TA! Perhaps one day, I can land a professorship. Perhaps one day, I will be talking to younger people about how I survived this great pandemic. Perhaps perhaps.</div>
[[Continue to End Screen->End]]<div class="importantDates animated slideInDown">Late February</div>
<div class= "expo">Your daughter calls you one afternoon and asks if you’re aware of the growing cases of COVID-19 in the US. You’ve been watching the news, but she tells you that she’s concerned and that you and your partner should try to stay home—she will drop by in a few days to bring you some essentials so that you don’t have to leave the house.Your daughter is very up on the latest and quite trustworthy, so you believe what she tells you. But, you also think that you’ll probably be okay, because most of the people you come into contact with are family or friends and they seem healthy.</div>
<div class="questions">You:</div>
[[Stay home with your partner for a few days as your daughter requested.->Old Home 1]]
[[You decide to walk down the street to see a good friend who is also elderly to visit and talk about the events unfolding.->Old out 1]]<div class= "expo">You stayed home and your daughter dropped by with supplies. Two weeks go by and now into March, the cases are spreading. People are urged to wear masks whenthey go out in public and urged to stay home as much as possible.
Your partner starts to go downhill from their pre-existing condition. It gets worse and you are very worried. You call your daughter and tell her what’s going on. She suggests you call an ambulance and should not go to the hospital, which is quickly being overrun with COVID cases.</div>
[[Continue->Old home 2]]<div class= "expo">You had a nice visit with your friend down the street, but they were complaining ofbeing short of breath and feeling a bit under the weather. When you return home, you try to recall if you touched anything at the friend’s house and you wash your hands repeatedly just like the news has been instructing.
A few days later, you hear that the friend down the street was admitted to the ER and tested positive for COVID-19.
You are now worried that you may have it, too, and you definitely don’t want to give it to your partner. You try to stay away from them and decide to sleep on the couch.</div>
[[Continue->old out 2]]<div class= "expo">You put your bandana mask on and make a quick trip to the pharmacy to pick up some medication for your partner. You see many empty store shelves and many sick people walking around without masks. When you get home, your partner is worse.</div>
[[You can’t leave your partner and instead you both cover your faces with bandanas and you and drive to the ER.->Old ER]]
[[You call the ambulance for your partner. You are distraught and stand at a window inside your home and watch paramedics take your partner away. You feel helpless and scared.->Old Home 3]]<div class= "expo">You decided to go with your partner to the ER. You both wear bandanas on your face, and when you arrive, the hospital waiting room is overwhelmed with people who are sick, coughing and sneezing. Some wear masks, most do not. Your partner goes into cardiac arrest and is taken into the ER.
You wait for your daughter to arrive and try to stay clear of everyone else, but it’s hard. Finally, she gets there and you are both told by hospital staff that you need to go home and stay isolated. You break down into tears—how can you leave the partner you love all alone? Your daughter is also very upset, but she believes the hospital staff is right and assures you that you can both come see your partner as soon as they are stable.
You return home and wait. You watch the news, you call friends and let them knowwhat’s going on. You feel helpless. A few days pass but your partner is still in ICU and is not getting better. You need to see them and fear this is the end.</div>
[[Continue->Old ER 2]]<div class= "expo">You are at home while your partner is in the ER. You call constantly for updates, but hospital staff are so overwhelmed they can’t give you new information. You watch the news, you call friends and let them know what’s going on. You feel helpless. A few days pass but your partner is still in ICU and is not getting better. You want to see them and fear this is the end.
Your daughter brings you some N95 masks that she had from her earthquake prep kit. She tells you that you MUST stay home, period. So far, you do not seem to have any signs of the virus. Your daughter must stay home too, now. She is working remotely and has two children to take care of. Her partner is a service provider and must go to work each day.</div>
[[Continue->Old Home 4]]<div class= "expo">Your partner starts to go downhill from their pre-existing condition, however. It gets worse and you are very worried. You call your daughter and tell her what’s going on. She suggests you call an ambulance and isolate yourself in another room until they arrive, just in case.</div>
[[You isolate yourself, as instructed, and call the ambulance for your partner. You are distraught, afraid of losing your partner and that you might contribute to their illness if you have been exposed. And, if you have the virus, your own health is now at stake. You stand at a window inside your home and watch paramedics take your partner away. You feel helpless and scared.->Old Home 3]]
[[You put bandana masks on you and your partner and drive them to the ER—you just can’t leave them alone and they are very scared, as are you.->Old ER]]<div class= "expo">Your daughter brings you some N95 masks that she had from her earthquake prep kit. She tells you that you MUST stay home, period. So far, you do not seem to have any signs of the virus. Your daughter must stay home too, now. She is working remotely and has two children to take care of. Her partner is a service provider and must go to work each day.</div>
<div class="questions">A neighbor invites you on a walk to stretch your legs. Do you:</div>
[[You agree and put on your N95 mask and meet up with the neighbor who only wears a bandana. You give them one of your three N95 masks.->Old Walk 1]]
[[You tell them you want to, but it’s probably not a good idea. They ask if you know how to use Zoom, but you don’t. You go online to find Zoom and see if you can figure it out.->Old Zoom 1]]<div class= "expo">The walk with your neighbor helped a little but you are very depressed and scared and are not able to eat much. You wait a few more days and receive a phone call from the hospital—your partner has died.
You spiral into a deep depression and do not want to live. Your partner is gone, youare old, your children can take care of themselves. You are not allowed to claim thebody of your partner, which is being stored at the hospital until quarantine is lifted.
Your daughter visits you once a week wearing a mask and calls you every morning and night. You cannot see your grandchildren and your daughter cautions you about interacting with your neighbors. Your physician prescribes anti-depressants, which he has delivered to you. They only help a little.</div>
[[Continue->Old Walk 2]]<div class= "expo">You did not go on the walk, but you also can’t really figure out Zoom—especially with so much stress filling up your head. You are very depressed and scared and are not able to eat much. You wait a few more days and receive a phone call from the hospital—your partner has died.
You spiral into a deep depression and do not want to live. Your partner is gone, youare old, your children can take care of themselves, the world is a mess. You are not allowed to claim the body of your partner, which is being stored at the hospital until quarantine is lifted.
Your daughter visits you once a week wearing a mask and calls you every morning and night. You cannot see your grandchildren and your daughter cautions you about interacting with your neighbors. Your physician prescribes anti-depressants, which he has delivered to you. They only help a little.</div>
[[Continue->Old Zoom 2]]<div class= "expo">A neighbor calls you and asks if you want to go on a walk to get out of the house.</div>
[[You agree and put on your N95 mask and meet up with the neighbor who only wears a bandana. You give them one of your three N95 masks.->Old Walk 1]]
[[You tell them you want to, but it’s probably not a good idea. They ask if you know how to use Zoom, but you don’t. You go online to find Zoom and see if you can figure it out.->Old Zoom 1]]<div class= "expo">A good friend from way back in high school calls you from another state and talks you through your grief. They tell you that your life is not over, that no matter how long you have left, you should try to make the most of each moment. There are stillmany people who love you and need you in their life, they say, and they urge you not to give up.</div>
[[You listen to your friend and try to stay afloat. You talk to your partner out loud each day as if they are still there, because it makes you feel better and perhaps they can hear you. You finally figure out Zoom, because you refuse to give in to this virus and begin to connect with others going through the same situation. It helps.->Old End A1]]
[[You just can’t pull yourself together and begin losing weight. Your health begins to decline.->Old End B1]]<div class= "expo">A good friend from way back in high school calls you from another state and talks you through your grief. They tell you that your life is not over, that no matter how long you have left, you should try to make the most of each moment. There are still many people who love you and need you in their life, they say, and they urge you not to give up.</div>
[[You listen to your friend and try to stay afloat. You talk to your partner out loud each day as if they are still there, because it makes you feel better and perhaps they can hear you. You meet up with your neighbor friend on occasion and take short walks while wearing your masks.->Old End A1]]
[[You just can’t pull yourself together and begin losing weight. Your health begins to decline.->Old End B1]]<div class= "expo">You spend your days going through bills that your partner was in charge of, trying to keep your life in order. You receive phone calls from family and friends, and your daughter continues to visit once a week to watch TV with you and just be there with you doing regular mundane things. You plan your partner’s funeral service, which you decide not to hold until after quarantine is lifted and it can “be done right.”
You read a little, watch a lot of TV, listen to classical music. You cry a lot. Each day is a struggle but you refuse to give up. Your daughter suggests trying mediation and working in the yard. You’re open to this and make small attempts. You try to focus on the future, but it’s hard. You decide to keep on going, no matterwhat, until your time comes.
Over the next six months you become restless and sometimes just want to run out into the street and catch COVID—just to make something happen. Just to bring an end to your misery. But you don’t do that. You hang in there. You watch the news and see all of the protesting and fighting, the breaking of quarantine and the death tolls lessen, and then rise again with each wave of people refusing to adhere to the social distancing guidelines.</div>
[[Continue->Old End A2]]<div class= "expo">You spend your days going through bills that your partner was in charge of, trying to keep your life in order. You receive phone calls from family and friends, and your daughter continues to visit once a week to watch TV with you and just be there with you doing regular mundane things. Everyone tries to keep your spirits up, but it’s just not working.
You grow weaker and weaker as the weeks roll on, unable to find the light, unable to find a purpose. One morning you awake and know this is the end for you. You write “I love you” on a small scrap of paper near the bed, a note for your daughter, and close your eyes and drift into endless sleep, knowing your partner will be waiting for you somewhere on the “other side.” You pass at age 70.
Over the next 10 years, many changes are made to governmental systems, with greater focus on sustainability instead of profit. Your family and friends so wish you would have made it to see these better days.</div>
[[Continue to End Screen->End]]<div class= "expo">Eight months later, a vaccine is approved and the quarantine begins to lift all over the world. Your daughter and her partner and children come see you. Friends return. You hold a beautiful service for your partner. Life has returned, but it is very different now.
Over the next 10 years, you live a full life, surrounded by people who now realize how important love and friendship truly are. Many changes are made to governmental systems, with greater focus on sustainability instead of profit.
You wish your partner could have made it to see these better days, but you did learn a great deal and you made the lives of those who love you better by hanging around. You did what you needed to do and when you pass at age 85, you have no regrets and are very much looking forward to seeing your loving partner again on the “other side” of life.</div>
[[Continue to End Screen->End]]Double-click this passage to edit it.<div id="ui-bar-history"><div class="backward"><<click [img[images/backward.png]]>><<script>>State.backward()<</script>><</click>></div><div class="forward"><<click [img[images/forward.png]]>><<script>>State.forward()<</script>><</click>></div></div>
<div class="questions">Do you:</div>
[[Warn my colleagues about minimizing unnecessary contact with patients with respiratory diseases. Advise them to practice social distancing and take measures to heighten their immune system.->NF1A]]
[[Reschedule my shifts so I can work fewer hours when the peak hits, I will do whatever I can to reduce my chance of getting COVID-19. Also save up on my paid leaves for later.->NF2B]]
[[Volunteer to work in other departments during your off days. Also volunteering to work at more intensive units for your shifts.->NF2C]]<div class="importantDates">March 26, 2020:</div>
<div class="news">The United States leads the world in confirmed coronavirus cases.</div>
<div class="news deathtoll animated3 pulse">20,993 confirmed deaths globally</div>
[[Continue.->NBC2]]<div class="questions">How are you going to prepare yourself and others for this impending pandemic?</div>
[[I begin stocking up on N95 masks, hand sanitizers, toilet paper and other necessities. Created an ebay account and made extra dough by selling my stock of supplies at a steep price.->NM1A]]
[[Warn friends and family about upcoming recession and job losses due to COVID-19.->NM1B]]
[[Lead task force teaming up with individual manufacturers to provide more PPE and medical gear to hospital staff.->NM1C]]<div class= "anecdotes">"I will stare at that kid and think about my son at home. I save lives. I am beyond proud to be a nurse. I love working PICU. But I don’t want to be a footnote in an article written about the heroes who died after continuous exposure to COVID and lack of proper PPE. I don’t want to be another name in a long list of nurses, doctors, respiratory therapists who died because they continued to care for and treat infected patients while wearing a bandana or scarf. I don’t want my son to grow up without his mother because I couldn’t stand by and not care for my patients despite the risk to myself. When does my life matter?"</div>
<div class= "anecdotes">"We are being martyred against our will."</div>
[[Continue->Nurse July 1]]
<div class="questions">You have been promoted to a vaccine decision team to assist with production of vaccines, and are posed with these different choices:</div>
[[Halt production of all uncritical vaccines in order to put the most resources towards a vaccine for COVID-19.->NA2A]]
[[Continue production of most necessary vaccines and use all remaining resources to go towards a COVID-19 vaccine.->NA2B]]
[[Cut a deal with China to have them produce excess vaccines for US citizens only. In return, we will vastly lower tariffs on Chinese goods.->NA2C]]