Spectrum DETROIT CATHOLIC CENTRAL
Volume 83, No. 4.1
March 27, 2020
Stay-at-Home Order Issued to Slow Spread of Coronavirus Alex Kazmierczak ‘20 Staff Writer
The exponential and largely uncontrolled spread of the novel coronavirus throughout the world, and now the United States, has led numerous local and national leaders to implement extreme policies in hopes of slowing its spread. Michigan, under the guidance of Governor Gretchen Whitmer, has followed the same pattern, recently seeing a stay-athome order issued for its residents. The order, put in effect March 24 and lasting at least until April 13, prohibits any in-person work that isn’t necessary to protect life and prohibits any public or private gatherings of people. The order still allows for us all to leave our homes for exercise or essential travel, but prohibits groups from gathering together outside of their homes. Despite the economic strain that is sure to result from the order and others like it,
public leaders are making the prediction that allowing the virus to spread without the order in place would lead to greater harm to their constituents than a period of economic distress that is certain to follow with the order in place. The importance of following the order surrounds the idea of working to slow down the pandemic’s spread. This would allow the healthcare system to adequately treat smaller numbers of patients at a time and not be overrun by a sudden spike of infections that would leave some patients without necessary medical attention due to a lack of resources. This “flattening of the curve” would save lives through making the pandemic last longer, but allowing for a smaller number of people to be infected at any time. Regardless of the dire outlook of the coming months, many people continue to flout stay-at-home directions. These people are often young and healthy, feeling invin-
cible to a virus that has often been incorrectly compared to the common flu. Rather, the young could unknowingly serve as the toxic vectors of the disease, spreading it to others who may be more prone to falling ill. The virus is believed to be able to exist in the body without symptoms for up to two weeks, allowing for someone to catch the virus and spread it to many others before they realize they are sick. In order to prevent a spike of infections that would overwhelm our health care systems, it is extremely important to understand the logic behind social distancing. The young and healthy are not being told to stay home to protect themselves, but rather the millions of others whom they could unknowingly spread it to and hurt.
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COVID-19 has taken the sports world hostage. Games and tournaments across the world have been cancelled or suspended as seasons are put on hold. Even activities off the field are now in jeopardy as the outbreak continues. The original plan for the NFL draft was for it to begin on April 23 and run through April 25 and take place on Las Vegas’ world-renowned Strip. Due to virus concerns the Strip was shut down and it is still unknown if it will even be back at full function by the time draft day rolls around. The league is now stuck with a difficult decision: whether to still hold the draft and if so, how. At this point, it seems like the draft will still take place, but instead of a typi-
cal large scale environment, it would most likely take place in an enclosed studio. The draft would be held without fans in attendance and all front office members of teams would stay home and make decisions in their respective cities. Teams have already banned their scouts from travelling before the draft to scout players, which has made this draft far different than others. That ban has created conflict for some teams who want to look at players who are coming off of injuries sustained in college, notably former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa. That could cause many players’ draft stocks to fall. Most team owners and NFL executives are pushing for the draft to still be held at its regular time, but many team GMs have been asking for the draft to be pushed back (mostly for the aforementioned issues with scouting). At this point, though, it still
Phobia Returns to Haunt . . . Empty Hallways? Phobia ‘29 Staff Writer
Off shooting my role in the upcoming Stephen King film adaptation, I, Phobia, rematerialized in halls eerily quiet except for a faint whistling from Mr. Shaheen’s office. Upon entering, I discovered his computer endlessly replaying a homemade ASMR tape of common Midwestern bird calls. On a separate tab, Mr. Casey was logged in. He had left open a draft replying all to the emergency shutdown email only with “:(”. It has been lonely here, though the school WiFi is finally fast enough for a VPN to load everyone’s stream of Instagram challenges and #coronacation posts. If children are the future, I am lucky to be a ghost. The salmon in Fr. O’Neill’s tank have evolved legs and an acute fondness for maple cookies. One of the fish, with a particularly large head, has become a certified Apple teacher and spearheaded the transition to a digital curriculum. Sometimes I think I feel the math posters tremble at the hum of Mr. Gustad’s 2020 RAM 1500 quad cab with four wheel drive and military-grade headlights. Sometimes I think Mr. Griffin’s Shakespeare action figure is calling me to sweep past the sentient lifeforms in the wrestling mats and the sousaphone echoing Dvorak’s Fifth in the band room and the cauldron of bat stew in the cafeteria towards the chapel crumbling without a charismatic theology teacher there to sing “Our God Is an Awesome God.” The silence is a horror surpassed only by pumpkins not smashed. It is no fun haunting an empty school. I, Phobia, await your return. Farewell, Phobia
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Updates from Admin Senior exams have been cancelled. This does not apply to AP exams. Seniors’ second semester grades will consist of an average of Quarter 3 and Quarter 4. A decision on freshman, sophomore, and junior exams has not been made yet.
Heads up, Juniors: Junior Interviews with counselors will begin next week. Check your email for more information from your counselor.
Pro Drafts Affected by Virus Andrew Laroo ‘22 Staff Writer
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FAST forms are available for any families seeking financial aid as a result of the current economic crunch.
seems that the draft is on for its regular time. Another league with a tough decision to make is the MLB. The draft was originally scheduled to take place in June but due to the virus, it will most likely be pushed back to July. The biggest change, however, to the draft would be that it could be shortened. There would be fewer rounds, which would obviously result in fewer players being drafted. This would create a problem as many players would lose their chance to be taken with a pick and would go undrafted, creating a large sense of uncertainty for them and their careers. As time goes on, the leagues will have a big decision to make, a decision that could impact the dreams and future careers of many.
A Shamrock Minute with Father Fulton/@PaddyFult/Our Fearless Leader
An Athletics Update from Mr. Babicz
Lions Trade Slay, Add New Pieces Trey Heager ‘20 Staff Writer
The Detroit Lions’ offseason moves might just show some hope for the 2020 season. Coming off of an injury-plagued 3-12-1 2019 season, the Lions look to bolster previously shallow position groups, namely, the defensive backs group. The Lions saw injuries to a number of their key defensive backs last season, leading to a situation in which opposing quarterbacks could almost do whatever they wanted with the gaping holes in the Lions’
secondary. The Lions have signed a total of four cornerbacks and safeties at this point in the offseason, while trading away three-time Pro Bowl corner Darius Slay. As good a player as he may be, the Slay trade may be a blessing to a Lions locker room and fan base that have struggled to get behind third year head coach Matt Patricia (Slay and Patricia have had a number of public off-field disagreements). Additionally, according to the majority of the latest mock drafts, the Lions are expected to take Ohio State safety Jeffrey Okudah with the third overall pick, which could
add to the influx of secondary talent needed to be competitive this fall. Other noteworthy signees for the Lions include linebacker Jamie Collins Sr. (three years, $30 million) and offensive tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai (five years, $45 million), both of whom are coming off of successful seasons in New England and Philadelphia, respectively. The Lions have also signed quarterback Chase Daniel to a 3-year, $13.05 million deal. This is important because starter, Matthew Stafford, was injury-plagued in 2019, having missed the final eight games of the season due to a fractured back.
Ultimately, the same question remains for the Lions and their notoriously tortured fan base: “Will there be improvement this year?” As every Lions fan knows, the seasons with the most hope can often end in the most failure. However, with a strong level of new talent coming to the roster as well as the opportunity for Stafford to play a complete season under second year offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, it seems that this 2020 team may have the chance to break the seemingly endless trend of disappointment.
Dewhirst’s Tips for Living a Quality Quarantine What not to do:
What to do: 1. Do something you’ve never had time for!
1. Panic.
2. Cook some tasty food!
2. Spread rumors.
This could be anything from drawing to learning a new instrument to reading last year’s summer reading books. You’ve got the time, so make the most of it.
As simple as that sounds, it can really lighten the mood while we’re all in isolation. And surely, by now, you’re craving Chipotle Bar. Find some recipes online or in a book, and get cooking. The sky’s the limit.
3. Stay in shape!
I know you probably want to sit back, relax, and just be lazy, but keep it in moderation. We are officially in spring, so some days will be warm and sunny. Take advantage of the weather by walking your pet, riding your bike, or going for a run (Coach Magni knows best).
4. Get some sleep!
Some of you will want to stay up all night gaming, and that’s okay. But try to make up for the in-class snoozes you’re currently missing out on. Also, you’ll give your body the best chance to avoid any illness by getting ample sleep.
5. Stay in touch!
We can’t hang out with Mr. Walrad right now, but we all have social media. This is one of those times where it’s very beneficial, so make use of it.
It’s really easy to get worried over this unprecedented time, similar to that math test you didn’t study for. But if you listen to health officials and heed their recommendations, you will be okay.
With the mass hysteria ongoing, it can be really easy to hear something fake and spread it without even thinking. Please check your source first before spreading any information you hear about.
3. Stockpile toilet paper.
Based on some calculations, a 30-pack of extra long toilet paper rolls from Costco should last our school building at least a couple of weeks! Consider how many people that is servicing. Do not hoard it because it is likely you will end up with a surplus you want to get rid of.
4. Go anywhere if you feel ill.
Embrace some smashmouth social distancing!
5. Cough all over produce at a grocery store. I couldn’t believe this when I read about it. In a Pennsylvania grocery store, a woman intentionally coughed all over the fresh produce section, costing over $35,000. She is being aggressively charged. Don’t be her!
