It’s safe to say that coronavirus fears are spreading around the nation faster than the virus is itself, as many Americans take preventive steps aimed at keeping their families safe from infection. While the situation is serious, most Americans are not at high risk if they do contract the coronavirus known as Covid-19. America’s efforts are really oriented toward slowing the spread of the virus to ensure everyone can receive the care they need if they do get sick. So taking the situation seriously is good, but panicking, of course, isn’t.
While coronavirus fears remain present in our population, most Americans are already aware that we’ll get through this–it’s just a question of how uncomfortable things will be in the mean time. For people that we care about that are currently attending basic training right now, however, it can be difficult for them to stay well informed, and as a result, they may be feeling anxious, sad, nervous, or worried about how the outbreak will effect their families, their lives in the service, and their training.
Remember that your loved ones at basic training are there for a specific purpose that has a great deal of value and import to their lives and to our country. The more they’re worried about things at home, the less effectively they’ll be able to train — so here are a few suggestions to help you ease your loved one’s coronavirus fears while they’re in training.
1. Let them know that you’re okay.
It may seem obvious to you that you’re not in serious danger right now–there may be no confirmed cases of Covid-19 in your town, you may have your house well stocked, and you might be taking responsible precautions to limit any exposure that might come your way… but your loved ones at boot camp can’t see you handling business, and they’re left worrying about how the coronavirus has negatively affected your life.
Let them know that you’re safe and that you’re doing what you can to stay that way. Tell them about how you and your friends and family are supporting one another, and about how, while the situation is serious, you’re still having fun when and how you can. That will go a long way toward your loved one at basic training getting their focus out of constant worrying and back toward the things they need to get done.
2. Skip the rumors and stick to the facts.
There are lots of rumors going around pertaining to Covid-19, and it’s probably fair to say that many coronavirus fears are spread through the rumor-mill. Maybe you heard from a friend of a friend that there will be some changes in base housing, or that there’s a new kind of toothpaste that protects against infection (there isn’t, so those rumors are bogus, by the way).
Here at Sandboxx News, we only report on Covid-19 related updates when they’re released or substantiated by Defense Department officials as a part of our effort to curb misinformation and keep military families informed about the situation. Consider yourself a deputized Sandboxx reporter and only share information that’s been confirmed as true through official channels. That way you don’t have to worry about spreading the wrong information, or worrying your loved one unnecessarily.
3. Don’t forget to laugh.
It can be easy to get so wrapped up in coronavirus concerns that you forget there’s lots of other stuff going on that your loved one at basic training might really want to hear about–from funny stories about your friends to the news that Tom Brady is leaving the Patriots. If you want to talk about Covid-19, of course feel free to do so, but don’t forget to address the other stuff you know your loved one would love to get an update on.
In the military, we have a tendency to develop the ability to laugh at our own hardships. It’s a defense mechanism of sorts that helps us find solace in our camaraderie with one another. Laughing during tough times isn’t a bad thing to do, in fact, sometimes it’s the best thing for both you and the person you’re writing to.
Joke around and be willing to laugh at your circumstances. If you can laugh at your situation, it’ll go a long way toward mitigating their coronavirus fears, and their concern about how you’re doing.
If you want to learn more about the coronavirus has prompted changes to basic training, click here.
If you want to learn more about how the coronavirus has affected PCS and TDY orders, click here.
