chapter five: just the start

It's been two days since the CDC sent a message to the city of Columbia. Many people think it's just the flu, but it's actually a deadly threat. My brother, his husband, and some family members have just finished relaxing after a stressful time. We spent hours watching TV, trying to stay calm. The stress came from gathering all our supplies and stocking up for our shelter. Our safe spot is the basement, which has a door that leads to the boat dock. There’s a boat nearby that will help us stay afloat if things get worse. My dad turned on the TV, and suddenly, a bright red Emergency Alert System message appeared. It said, "This is not a test," and that it was brought to us by ABC. Of course, it had to be another emergency alert. As we sat there, we heard the loud sound that accompanied the message. We watched the screen and listened closely to what the EAS was saying.

The Missouri Department of Health, working with the Centers for Disease Control and the Missouri National Guard, has issued an urgent message. Due to the recent spread of the virus in Columbia, the governor has declared a military blockade around Boone County. Starting now, no one can enter or leave the county without special permission. The goal is to stop the virus from spreading outside Boone County. Anyone trying to break the blockade will face deadly force. Life inside the county will continue, but with some restrictions. People are allowed to go outside, and essential businesses like grocery stores and pharmacies will stay open. Public places such as parks and malls will remain closed for now. The curfew is in place indefinitely and will not end until officials say the virus no longer poses a threat. Stay alert for updates on the situation.

After all that, we looked at each other and realized the virus is worse than the flu. It’s deadly, and we don’t know if it will turn people into walkers like in The Walking Dead. Or if it will just cause chaos, like in the movie 28 Days Later, leaving everything a mess.