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Living in the age of the Coronavirus - A giant challenge.

Living in the age of the Coronavirus - A giant challenge.

 

 

Springtime. Easter is around the corner, a time traditionally for thinking of family and loved ones. This time each year is usually reserved for preparing for a break. Finishing up projects at work, putting the final touches on holiday planning and travelling to see family. This year however, something came along that changed EVERYTHING. We can’t travel, many are unable to work or work at home. Schools and universities are shuttered for who knows how long. We can’t even stand close to each other, much less shake hands or hug each other in greeting. All because of the surprise arrival of an unwelcome visitor.

Microscopic in size yet more powerful than nearly anything we have seen in a hundred years. The Coronavirus (Sars-CoV-2) has burst onto the world stage and is drastically altering the future of our planet. From the world economy down to each individual, this affects us all. It doesn’t care for your social position or profession. Your race, sex or religion are irrelevant. Corona is here and it looks like its planning to stay. How long? Well, that depends on how we react and how difficult we make it for this unwelcome guest.

It’s time to slow down and reprioritize. We need to heed the direction and guidelines of our governments and health organizations. We must avoid spreading false information, doing so only results in fear and uncertainty and in some cases can have grave consequences. Support at risk people like the sick and elderly. Going shopping for those at increased risk is one way to do this. A quick search on the internet will turn up how you can be a force for good in your local community.

Even washing your hands is a sign of compassion. It is our best weapon against this virus, and it is easy to do. Wash your hands with soap and water for 20-30 seconds every time you go out and periodically throughout the day, even if at home. It reduces your risk and the risk of those you come in contact with.

Show support for the medical community. These are the soldiers on the front line. These are men and women who risk their lives to save the lives of others. They are true superheroes, some even wear masks, and others would too, if only there were enough available.

Particularly on this day, April 7th, we celebrate World Health Day. We want to thank all healthcare professionals for their efforts in fighting to keep us healthy. For those of us who aren’t on the front lines, you can show support by staying at home and keeping distance from others. That is your proof of solidarity. Don’t forget, healthcare workers are also friends, mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters.

A lot will change this year, but one thing remains the same; it is still a time for thinking of family and loved ones. This holiday we need to temporarily sacrifice some freedom that one has in a pandemic free world. We can’t go out. We can’t visit. It’s not only a giant challenge for individuals, countries and governments, this is a giant challenge for mankind, and one we have no choice but to accept.