Coronavirus: As one people we rise above

As the world is still grappling with the ravages of Covid-19 Coronavirus the questions that irk the mind are what is the new norm and where do we go from here.

As the Greek philosopher, Heraclitus stated “change is the only constant in life” therefore the earlier the world wakes up and comes to terms with the new reality imposed on us by Coronavirus the better for humankind.

The face of the human race has been redesigned by the pandemic and nothing would ever be the same again. Adaptation in the midst of events going on worldwide would be the keyword. The human race needs to fast track, forge new ways of living in order not to be exterminated.

Today the truth that is gawking us in the face is the fact that our well-being is in our own hands. Every single individual walking the face of the earth must grasp the bitter truth that he is responsible for the general outcome of his life. You cannot live carelessly and expect to be healthy and free from the menace of Covid-19 because it has unequivocally been established that the virus is not a respecter of person or race.

Not only is the quality of our lives dependent on our behaviors, but the way we live is also directly related to the welfare of our immediate neighborhood. If you wantonly expose yourself to the virus, you put the people you care about at risk as well as provoking a boomerang of infections and deaths.

The things which hitherto constituted our mode of life must be re-looked at as we cannot expect to get different results by doing the same things over and over again. Our approach to life per the terms of Coronavirus will in a great deal determine our victory or the lack thereof against the virus.

Several social campaigns have been initiated by governments all over the world about conscious personal safety measures to adopt in order to be safe. However, if we regard such initiatives as hoax and go about life as we have always done then the veil of the effects of the pandemic will hover over us for a very long time to come. We do not want to really see that happen. We must in our small space support these social campaigns, carrying the message vehiculated into our homes, communities and wherever our voice is heard.

It behooves on the intellectually sound to educate and reeducate the less-privileged in our societies. Those who do not really understand what is at stake here must be taken by the hand as children, guided as to how they too can contribute their quotas in curbing the spread of the virus.

We are all in this together, all hands must and should, therefore, be on deck. No one should be left behind. This is not the time to discriminate. We have had circumstances in the past where people, communities or an entire race have been picked upon as a result of a pandemic.

We cannot overcome Coronavirus by subscribing to same dogmatic mentality where some people think they are better than others. Coronavirus is infecting every kind of people without exception, consequently we must all stand in arm to combat it.

This current generation of the world citizens, the youth, are the ones who will be called upon to make a huge difference in the nearest future. The youth’s understanding of what is happening, their resilience and commitment not to give in to fear will be a big tool as far as the next ten years ahead is concerned. They should be encouraged to continue dreaming, working hard to attain their goals.

We cannot deny the fact that this generation have had to sacrifice a lot due to the pandemic. Most will not experience the thrills of graduation ceremonies. For some going back to school in the days ahead is quite uncertain. Some very unfortunate ones among them will be forced to go into other choices in life and all of these is happening due to Covid-19 has changing the status quo.

Social distancing, one of the measures prescribed by health experts, must not become emotional distancing. We need to socially distance ourselves vis-à-vis others which does not mean we should not care for and about each other. Even though we might not be able to visit others as we were used to doing, it does not mean we cannot connect via technology. We must start thinking as a collective, making sure we are psychologically there for those who needs continuity. Let us social distance through emotional proximity.

One thing for sure until that day when a vaccine or a cure would be available to all, the wearing of nose masks in public should not be perceived as a burden on us, rather as a right. It is important we go out, if indeed it is necessary, that we have a nose mask on. Doing so protect ourselves and those we come into contact with.

All other measures health experts have prescribed aside the ones cited above must be followed. It is for our own good and that of others.

These are hard times. We need to adopt hard measures. Our way of life has changed. Accepting this truth is our best interest. The way forward is to stay focused, remained hopeful and live in accordance with the measures put in place by our respective governments to curb the spread. Lend a helping hand to those who have been affected the most whenever it is in your power.

Reach out to those who have no one to care for them. Most especially keep love for the front-line workers strong. Encourage the front-line workers, appreciate them for all their sacrifices to keep us thriving. Put on your shoes and start walking.