These are very unusual times. Boris Johnson described this event earlier this week as a, ‘national emergency.’ In what is I’m sure an unmatched and will be an unprecedented event in our lifetime, it is important that we ensure that we stay safe on a personal level so that we can mitigate the impact on a global level.
Across the world, a race is underway to find a cure for the coronavirus, but as of yet, we must rely on prevention. In parallel to diagnosing a remedy for this disease, our medical department is also under increasing pressure to attend to those who have sadly been infected. The National Health Service has been under financial strain for a long time already and this predicament makes it harder than ever for those on the front lines working tirelessly to help us. It is known, that in the worst case scenario, 80% of the population will be infected. Yet it is clear that there will not be enough beds nor ventilators to sustain this number of people. Therefore, it is clear that we must avoid this situation at all costs.
The government is working in all intents and purposes for the benefit of the people and so when they urge us to stay at home, as far as possible (unless for acceptable reasons) , we must respect these measures. Let us not try and rebel against rules that are meant for our safety. Because we’re not invincible, we’re not above anyone else and we’re not going to overcome Covid-19 if we resort to selfish disregard for the prime minister’s guidance. At this point in time, services have to give their all for those who need it most- and we can do our part by staying at home.
Yet for many of us, the home that we often so long for, what we often feel is our safe sanctuary from the stress of school or work or general life, now seems like a prison. As we enter just over a week from the first official lockdown, it feels like it’s been years. And current circumstances predict this is the first week for many more to come. Although boredom is a feeling we may increasingly become accustomed too, this is a pleasant reminder of just how important our family is and gives us a rare chance to enjoy what we love doing. Whether it be reading that book that we have been meaning to but never could because it was too long or learning a new skill you never had the patience for or finally taking the initiative to develop a fitter lifestyle.
In these clearly bleak times, we must bear a positive outlook. When this disease is finally overcome, and we gradually accustom ourselves to normal routines, we will appreciate the things we missed during this time even more. This time is a reminder of what is dear to us, of the many people we cannot see or the many things we cannot do at this moment. Maybe, in this bleak moment we can find ourselves to become better, more grateful people.
By Krishna Mahendrakar
