FAZLI SAMEER
COLOMBO ; It was a just year ago when a 55 year old man in Hubei province in Whuan, China was reported to have caught the Covid-19 virus. Initial investigations were directed towards certain meat products sold in the wet market in the region. Bats were also suspected.
We have come through a painstaking 12months, since then, and the pandemic has taken a massive toll of more than 1.6 million deaths and 73+ million positive cases. The world is still grappling with 20+ million positive cases and the numbers are climbing on a daily basis.
Scientists, Virologists, the WHO, and even Politicians have jumped into the fray to find suitable avenues of combatting this pandemic and resolving it in a manner that will be controllable. While various preventive measures of wearing masks, social distancing, and staying home have helped to keep the virus from going haywire it is slowly becoming apparent that this virus may become the new norm and we will have to learn to live with it for many years to come.
The elderly and healthcare workers have been at the frontline in facing the wrath of this virus and all activity is now focused towards making sure they are protected. Vaccines have popped up from many sides of the globe and the first shots are being delivered this month. Many worry about side effects and long term consequences since there has not been sufficient trials carried out before rolling it out. The urgency has been mainly due to the widespread cases of the disease across the globe in such a short span of time.
Working class folks, businesses, schools, the airline industry, tourism, and commuting have been affected so badly that many people are struggling to cope with their daily living because of layoffs, pay cuts, and loss of business. Small and medium enterprises have taken the biggest hit. Restaurants and small night cafes have also suffered very badly. Putting food on the table has become the most sought after priority among many wage earners.
Online delivery, social media activity and Zoom teaching have taken over significantly bringing in a new norm into global life. Husbands are learning to cook and engage in housekeeping. Families are interacting more closely than they ever did before.
The mandatory cremation over burial issue in Sri Lanka has also caused immense pain of mind to many families and communities whose religion and culture require simple burials in the final phase of a person’s life. The justification offered by the state, for this action, seems to be rather weak in relation to science and common sense.
All in all, we are kind of, whirling in a melting pot of ups and downs not knowing where we are headed to. The uncertainty is causing much sadness and depression. The only way forward is to hope for compassion, mercy, and a cure and keep on moving ahead without looking back.
Life was never so tough for planet earth in the past 70+ years since World War II.
