The fatigue we’re talking about is different from the definitions you’ll find online. Here, we’re not talking about fatigue as in a symptom of sickness.

Instead we mean just being tired of something. Specifically, tired of the endless COVID-19 warnings that do nothing but make some people more scared, and make others feel like nothing is being done.

According to Northwestern University professor Jacqueline Gollan in an interview with CNN, caution fatigue “occurs when people show low motivation or energy to comply with safety guidelines.” It happens because we have heard the same message for months, but life just keeps going on.  

Students are feeling the effects. “To be honest, all the constant news is aggravating because we all know what’s going on,” says Eighth grader Trinity Price. “We don’t need to make a big deal out of it over and over. I honestly don’t know if COVID-19 has gotten worse or better. I don’t care.”

The news about COVID-19 is all over the TV. It’s hard to balance new information with the constant updates. Eighth grader Dante Clayton says he’s tired, but it’s important to pay attention. “I’m sick of hearing about COVID-19, but it’s getting more dangerous.”

Administrator Mr. Tillman says it’s important to keep caring, because that’s why cases are getting worse. “As a society, as humanity, we have to be more aware and find a solution,” he says. “Here in the U.S., our inability to adapt has allowed COVID-19 to spread more, because we haven’t been able to find a vaccine, and because people aren’t wearing a mask and protecting ourselves and others.”

So even though we are all ready for COVID-19 to be over in 2021, the key will be to stay alert until the coast is really clear.