Winter Break Plans in the Pandemic

BY ASHLEY SNYDER
 
To date, 31.1 million people have recovered from having Covid-19. There is no doubt that everyone has felt the effects of the Coronavirus Pandemic. As Winter Break and the holiday season are fast approaching, many are wondering what will happen.

The governor has added new restrictions on bars and restaurants in suburban Cook County, because the state is seeing a surge in cases. According to ABC 7 News, owners of restaurants and bars, already struggling without many patrons, worry that this could mean closing. Of course, other people are affected by the pandemic as well. Several students have been worried about their plans for Winter Break, many of which are now canceled. 

Eighth grader Bailey Wallace normally goes to Michigan with her father to celebrate Christmas. This year, she is staying with her mother for Christmas and says that they will “probably stay in Chicago.” Teachers have been affected as well. 8th grade Humanities teacher Patrica Meegan says that normally, "In these times, we go downtown, ice skate in Grant Park, visit all the cool museums and really any other fun activities that are going on. Once in a while, we travel to visit family and friends in Florida or in other locations.” This year, she can not go out to museums or to visit family. She says that she “will be staying at home,” and that she will only FaceTime with her friends and family. 
 
Cases were predicted to rise as winter comes, and we are already seeing that second wave. Increased restrictions are already in place in Chicago and in Europe. Reports are showing a decrease in travel plans ranging from 40-60% less than last year. However, people are staying strong, even with changed plans.  After all, people are used to cozying up inside to keep out the cold. Most plans made for this year have gotten a chilly reception anyway.
 
Source: https://www.ustravel.org/toolkit/covid-19-travel-industry-research