Earlier this year the coronavirus was only a topic of interest in China. It then moved into Europe. It didn’t seem real until the first case popped up in America. It started creeping around the nation, and then the first case in Texas popped up. 

Everyone started washing hands frequently and keeping a distance from people thinking it would be fine. It still was just something that happens to other people. It did not really have a face. 

Then the the family of Anne Chapa announced that she tested positive for the coronavirus last week. She has been hospitalized with the illness since March 24. Chapa taught in Willis ISD for many years, and she taught a group of seniors in the dual language students for three years. 

“The second I heard it was someone I am very close with, it was a huge wake up call for me,” senior Angelika Infante said. “I was already taking precautions, but it really hit me that it can happen to anyone. It’s not just a news article anymore. It’s now in our backyards.”

She has been moved from ICU, and her family says vitals are good while her lungs are still improving. 

“I never thought the virus could possibly affect a little town like ours,” senior Andrew Mendoza said. “Then when I figured out that someone who has been a big part of my life was sick, it really opened my eyes to how bad this virus is and how we need to abide by the law right now more than ever.”

Chapa is now awake and talking. Her ventilator has been removed after 14 days, and according to her family, the nurses in her unit are excited how well she is doing now. 

“When you read the statistics it’s just numbers,” English teacher Tracy Nabors said. “I have known Mrs. Chapa for over 20 years. Now she is in the hospital fighting for her life, and those numbers have now become a face and shows the reality right here in our community.”