How COVID-19 Shutdowns Are Affecting Generation Z

By Lexi Elmore

As stay-at-home orders continue to extend, the impact of the Coronavirus has Generation Z learning the difference between essential and non-essential.

Businesses deemed essential don’t include many part-time jobs worked by Gen Zers in college towns. Despite statewide shutdowns and shelter-in-place orders, students attempt to stay motivated during this quarantine.

Governor Brian Kemp announced on April 8 that he planned to extend Georgia’s Public Health State of Emergency through May 13, although he did not say if stay-at-home order would last past April 30.

University of Georgia senior Vanessa Schrils has been quarantined in Athens and said the town is very different during this time and she misses the little luxuries.

She has learned that her favorite activities are not essential during this time.

“Athens has closed all restaurants and bars, meanwhile the grocery stores constantly run out of essentials,” she said. “I just miss spending time with friend’s and socializing downtown.”

UGA released a statement to graduating students that Spring Commencement will now be held on October 16 for undergraduates, instead of May 8.

Schrils plans post-lockdown are now more unclear as she remains unemployed.

“Finding a job has been hard, but now it’s going to be way more difficult because of the virus,” she said.

Generation Z, defined as people from 7 to 22 years old, will feel the brunt of the economic downturn the United States is heading towards Business Insider reports.

Older Gen Zers have lost upcoming job and internship opportunities on top of their last semester being cut short.

Many students with part-time jobs are currently unemployed due to not working for an essential business. Essential businesses have been outlined by President Donald Trump, and include healthcare centers, grocery stores, banks and critical manufacturing.

Brant Stark, 22, works as a commercial garage door installer in Atlanta and was surprised his part-time job landed on the list of essential businesses.

“Companies are still distributing from their warehouses every day which means it’s still business as usual for me, but I couldn’t be more thankful to be working,” he said.

Senior student athletes had their season cut short just a few weeks in due to COVID-19. The NCAA has granted another year of eligibility to spring athletes, allowing students to stay for another year.

Alex Andronica, 22, who plays NCAA baseball at Charleston Southern University, wasn’t going to let quarantine keep him from staying active.

He started a social media challenge called #RonaRun, nominating others to get outside and run then continue to pass the challenge along.

“The people who are embracing the challenge aren’t making excuses about what’s going on around them,” he said. “They’re simply focusing on what they can do in their situation and making it happen day in and day out.”

Andronica, who is quarantining in Forsyth County, is thankful to have this quality time with his family. He said he hopes this pandemic will make people change their day to day mentalities and be more positive.

Students are anticipating the end of stay-at-home orders and looking forward to getting back to non-essentials such as gyms and shopping malls.

Graduates won’t forget their last semester being cut short, but efforts as a nation to flatten the curve of the virus’ spread will have an important impact on controlling this pandemic.