Stay positive in times of Corona and V for the vaccine?
It sounds incredible that only three months ago the old world still existed and went its ways, except for a small area in China. Since then it has been an immense struggle to stay positive, in lockdown. During this time, the world has managed to learn very little about the invisible invader. He is one of the most mysterious enemies humanity has ever faced. Nothing is known about the basic nature of him; why its virulence is so variable; why he selects some countries with a vengeance and why he is deceptively nice to others. In any case, we simply don’t know what the future course of it would be, even in countries that have apparently thwarted its invasion. China, the source of the attack, and now apparently in control after a 76-day lockdown, fears a rebound. Some experts even say that there is no guarantee that a cured person will develop immunity to reinfection. However, we must stay positive and live with hope.
The behavior of other human beings disappoints us a lot. Why can’t they understand that the lockdown is basically to save their lives by keeping them safe at home and breaking the chain of infection outside? Why can’t they understand that lockdown has to be a temporary measure just to buy time and prepare for the worst, if it comes? But not! They want all their lost benefits and pleasures in a hurry; they want to join their friends for daily talk: they want their favorite dishes, sweets, cakes at any price. They even attack doctors, nurses and police authorities who put themselves at great risk just to protect their lives. Except perhaps for the immense human tragedy involving millions of migrant workers stranded in India, most of these human beings are quite well off: they have homes, jobs, money, and opportunities to work from home or engage in other creative pursuits. But not! They keep buying essential items, much more than household requirements, just for the chance to get out again and again. In India, there have been widespread violations of social distancing and other regulations in various parts of various states. The killer virus could be lurking just around the corner to take advantage of such human follies. But we must stay positive and encourage as many others as possible to stay positive. Quality family time is an asset to reflect on for all of us busy bees.
The unpredictability of the virus causes one more obstacle: it doesn’t allow our minds to get rid of our obsession with it and focus on other productive things. We continue to listen to the news and updates, what the experts are saying, and track its impact around the world. However, we still need to do our best to entertain our minds and stay positive. Daily workouts and meditation sessions are very necessary for this as morning or evening walks are also prohibited.
The economic damage that COVID-19 has already wrought and the imminent threat of utter ruin is another major concern that has been continually plaguing our minds. Numerous forecasts of negative growth rates are being made in most countries of the world. Well, negative rates can be reversed once the recovery process begins. But, recovery can only be done when the killer virus leaves us or is fully controlled. It has been said that by September 2020 the coronavirus will go away and it is also said that during the winter it can return, more virulent. Fearful thoughts should not be allowed to generate negativity in us; we must stay positive hoping for the best.
The economic reason is the driving force to get out of lockdown at some point, the sooner the better. However, an output cannot be absolute; It has to be executed in a phased manner. India has started this process of smoothing the sidewalks in the safest and most secure areas. And here, we are horrified and disgusted to see how our fellow men react to this. Like the burst of foam from an uncorked bottle of Champaign, they rush out of the houses in an ecstatic madness to break the rules everywhere. More nightmare thoughts appear. This is only a partial relaxation of the sidewalks with the lockdown still in effect. What would happen after a full output? After living through the horrors, Italy is considering a full exit; if they succeed, thank God for that. For an overpopulated country like India, how would governments ensure social distancing? In the sprawling slums where hundreds share a single bathroom and 8-10 people live in cramped 10/10 foot dwellings; on overcrowded local trains, subways and buses, which are still unable to handle the growing crowds in most cities; in congested offices; in movie theaters, shopping malls, hotel bars; in the markets and in your favorite fashionable public places? It is believed that it could require at least 6 months of compliance with security measures under normal conditions or until the virus becomes inactive, whichever comes first. Now, if commercial establishments are asked to guarantee seats with strict social distancing rules, how would they continue to be viable in business? Developed countries may not have many of these constraints, but people’s habits and lifestyle compulsions can also compromise adherence to safeguards.
We the people must realize that only we can make this battle against the Coronavirus successful; the authorities can only guide us towards that common goal. The responsibility is ours, so we must strive, try our best and move forward with effort, but in a positive way. And there is the final key to success for all of us: a vaccine against COVID-19. The president of the United States, Trump, said that the vaccine will be achieved by the end of this year. If we don’t feel right about going for Trump, considering all his grand or bizarre statements or contradictions and his ultimate electoral despair, we can easily take solace in the many projects being pursued in earnest around the world for which World leaders have shown solidarity. raising a fund of over $8 billion, fully supported by the World Health Organization. Some of them, those from the UK, Germany and India, promised a market-ready vaccine by September 2020. So we still have time and hope is not running out. It’s all the more reason to stay positive and breathe an equally infectious air of optimism around us.
