BAKERSFIELD, Calif. — Chloe Dollar is a 17-year-old Bakersfield resident who was born with an immune deficiency. She says she's worried by the number of people she's still seeing out and about for unessential reasons.
Dollar's condition means she's most at risk for developing life-threatening complications if she contracted coronavirus. She spoke to 23ABC about her frustrations over many in the community "not taking the virus seriously."
A recent study by Unacast gave Kern County an "F" on its social distancing efforts, saying there's been less than a 25% decrease in average mobility, and less than a 55% decrease in nonessential visits. Hundreds ignored social distancing guidelines when they gathered at a make-shift flea market in East Bakersfield last week, Kern County District 3 Supervisor Mike Maggard said.
Dollar said her sister works at a major retail store and has been seeing lots of nonessential visitors.
"A lot of people have actually been going in to buy decor for their house for Easter, or to buy new closes, or clearance stuff. Is my life really as valued lowly as a 30-pack of plastic Easter eggs?" she said.
After every workday, Chloe's sister has to wash her clothes and shower before seeing Chloe.
Health officials recommend everybody to stay home unless necessary. If you do go out for an essential reason, maintain six feet of distance from others.
