By Nate Feldman
In recent weeks, I have changed my weekly video program from "This Week in Review," to "Around the World." Around the world is a collection of videos from different countries showing what is taking place in our local communities. The goal of this project is to inform people about what is happening in our world while also connecting people of different cultures.
This week's program focuses on a number of important issues.
*The re-opening of parks in New Jersey. This state has been hit terribly by the coronavirus pandemic with recent estimates of over 9,000 people dead. Like most of the world, this has required the state to close non-essential businesses and places to the public to encourage people to stay at home and not spread the virus. Nevertheless, last week the Governor permitted parks to re-open so long as people follow strict social distancing guidelines.
At Red Bank Battlefield Park in Gloucester County, the park is open but there are strict rules. Cars cannot park next to each other. There are orange cones in parking spaces to ensure this. There are signs placed throughout the park telling people to maintain a distance of six feet from one another. People are able to walk along the trail, but they are no longer allowed to use the park's playgrounds, pavilions, benches, or even its restrooms. Many policemen are on patrol making sure people follow these measures.
*Recent corruption by political officials in Panama has led to protests by some people. People are unable to go outside because of strict quarantine measures taken to fight the coronavirus. Nevertheless, this hasn't stopped them from finding ways to show their displeasure. As an act of protest, people are banging pots and pans by their windows to demonstrate against the government. It is a unique way of staying indoors while taking a stand against the government.
