By Katrina Ortman, Online Arts and Opinion Editor
// Uncertainty of the future is now a constant in the lives of Californians, especially as the COVID-19 curve flattens under the eyes of vigilant healthcare workers and state policies. To keep the Bay Area, a major urban area with frequent international travelers, from becoming the next New York City, health officials continue to proceed with caution.
Six Bay Area counties, including Contra Costa, extended the shelter-in-place order from May 3 to May 31 and allowed certain businesses and activities to start up once again.
Some Acalanes High School students feared the eased policies would cause others to break their shelter-in-place.
“I’m afraid that once these establishments start opening, people will not take the social distancing seriously anymore, so independently, they’ll go out and hang out with their friends or have barbecues,” sophomore Meghan Foster said.
Despite the eased restrictions, health officials warn against community members disregarding the importance of continued social distancing.
“As we ease a small number of restrictions, it’s important to remember that the virus is still in our community. Now is not the time to ease up on maintaining social distancing, wearing a face covering, and staying home whenever possible,” Health Officer of Contra Costa County Dr. Chris Farnitano said in a press release.
Most students displayed an understanding of the critical health reasons behind the quarantine and are ready to show up for each other by not showing up at all.
“It’s going to be hard, but it’s necessary,” junior Lena Johnson said.
Although the mandate hinders students from participating in activities outside of school, their school lives remain fairly unscathed because Acalanes Union High School District (AUHSD) extended distance learning through the remainder of the school year on April 7.
Some students anticipated the extended shelter-in-place order.
“I wasn’t really surprised because I knew that it was going to happen eventually,” Foster said.
Distance learning is operating in full swing, and teachers will maintain their online curriculums. However, some students worry about how the current situation will affect their future education.
“It feels like summer but with a little more education,” sophomore Gabriel Aguilar said. “I am worried about being prepared for next year’s classes.”
Although these times are uncertain, AUHSD Superintendent John Nickerson is optimistic about the future. “While these prolonged circumstances have been immensely challenging and disruptive, the promising County COVID-19 data are a reflection of these measures, our collective efforts, and bring hope for the months ahead,” Nickerson said in an email to the district today.