It’s rather impossible to run or hide from the fact that the Coronavirus epidemic has taken over the airwaves. This infectious disease has caused havoc in approximately 183 countries. The highly transmittable virus also known as COVID-19 has grown into a global pandemic. Every media outlet provides a daily update in reference to the devastating effect this virus is having around the world.
The origin of the Coronavirus can be traced back to Wuhan, a large city in the Chinese province of Hubei. The invisible enemy proceeded to spread like wildfire. It ran through Wuhan and quickly invaded many other countries. The United States has been severely hit by COVID-19. Currently, the U.S. has over 370,000 confirmed cases and approximately 11,000 confirmed deaths.
Present-day there is no cure for the virus. In regards to mild cases, medical experts advise using the quarantine method. If the person has a consistent fever, they advise taking a fever-reducing medication.
Social distancing and staying home are proven tactics in regards to curving the spread of the virus. Despite the fact that government officials have given the directive for all non-essential workers to stay home, some people around the country have decided to ignore the regulations. Their refusal to follow the guidelines is causing a major delay in the process. Americans have been spotted having large cookouts, house parties, and vacationing on the beach.Â
Many athletes and entertainers have stepped up to encourage the general population to abide by the protocol and practice social distancing, and most importantly to stay home. The athletes and entertainers have posted messages on social media, and made commercials in regards to the social distancing and stay home movement.
Actress, writer, author, and film producer Cherie Johnson is also a celebrity who supports the stay home tactic. Our initial introduction to Cherie Johnson occurred when she was a child star portraying the role of Cherie in the show Punky Brewster. We were later reintroduced to Johnson during her teen years as Laura Winslow’s best friend Maxine on the hit show Family Matters.
Present-day, Cherie Johnson feels as though people should look at the bright side of being able to spend some quality time at home.
Vince:Â How are you coping with our new reality?
Cherie:Â I am really okay! I am surprised at how many people are having a hard time staying at home. Maybe it’s just the introvert in me, but time to recharge and enjoy the family-like an unplanned vacation.
Vince:Â How long did it take you to realize the severity of COVID-19?
Cherie:Â I have a brother in Singapore and another who lives in Thailand and they were kinda keeping us up to date on the things that were going on there. Knowing that my family got prepared (not with toilet paper and hand sanitizer we are black we bought food). I thank God we were prepped. It’s allowed me to stay inside without going to the store for four weeks now.
Vince:Â Were you working on any new projects prior to the stay-home regulations enforced by our government officials?
Cherie: My spa KIAN (Keep it all Natural) in Miami was forced to shut its doors. So business was put on halt. We have been able to continue to sell our product line online, but in-person services and nutritional consultations are currently put on hold. www.Kian4lifespa.comÂ
Vince:Â From a career perspective is this freeze going to disrupt anything you had in line, or do you feel confident you will be able to pick up where you left off?
Cherie:Â It may delay us shooting the reboot of Punky Brewster, but we will come back stronger than ever!
Vince:Â From our last conversation it was easy to see that you are a busy woman. During this Coronavirus epidemic, what is your new daily routine?Cherie:Â My day doesn’t really change that much. I positioned myself three years ago to be able to do a lot of my business from home. I already home school my little one so there was no change for me there. The only difference is at 4:30 p.m. now my daughter’s Taekwondo lesson is online so I don’t have to try to get across town on time. Bingo! I am saving gas!
Vince:Â This COVID-19 is something we’ve never seen during our lifetime. What would you say to that fan who is suffering from panic and anxiety?
Cherie:Â I too suffer from anxiety so I know it’s real, but the way my Uncle Will explained life to me, “If you are going to pray don’t worry, God got it. If you are going to worry anyway why pray?”
I have learned to let go of things I cannot control. Baby, we can’t control COVID-19, but what I can do is completely minimize my chances of getting it by staying in my house!
Vince:Â When this is over, what is the first thing you’re going to do?
Cherie:Â I am going to take my baby to Taekwondo and re-sign her up for the next soccer season since the spring season was canceled.
The multi-talented Cherie Johnson admits the introvert in her helps her follow the guidelines our government officials have set. Maybe we all need to channel into our inner introvert and stay home!
