Corona Pandemic:

 

What lessons have we learnt from the Corona Virus Pandemic?

Coronavirus which has by now proved itself to be a killer-pandemic has devastated almost the entire world. It has made no distinction whatsoever either of persons or their social status. The number of coronavirus patients in Sri Lanka soared past 3500 since the outbreak in the country on March 11, while the death toll remains at 11. It has created chaos in society and economy while the authorities are struggling hard to contain the spread of the disease. However, it has also taught us some important lessons.

Perhaps the first is on the role of state governments in responding to a national emergency like this. While the Central government has coordinated the strategy, the burden of its implementation has fallen on the local government bodies such as Provincial Councils and their administrative machinery.  It is worth noting, however, that despite severe constraints, the government has managed to sustain the economy at least at a bare level. The need for a more comprehensive disaster management plan, however, is obvious.

Another lesson the world has learnt is that medical science is not a effective for all diseases. No one knows or could ever predict what other deadly infections might strike us in the future. The World Health Organisation (WHO) however holds the position that coronavirus is not manmade but should be identified as a natural catastrophe. Life is at stake and the whole episode shows how we ought to consider the preciousness of human life. Utmost has to be done by the state machinery to protect people from being attacked by sickness and death.

Another big learning from the crisis is the need for social protection for the poor, informal workers in particular. It is also true for migrant workers, as also a majority of urban regular workers. Therefore, a social safety net for all such workers is needed. Similarly, the weaknesses in the food production sector need to be addressed. Farmers often complain about low purchasing prices while the public complains about high buying prices. This is due to the lack of good distribution and marketing system in our country which needs to be addressed urgently, especially at a time like this.

Nature has also taken a welcome break due to this pandemic. In fact, it can be a message from nature to us who are engrossed in the technology while neglecting nature. The Carbon Dioxide percentage in the air has reduced significantly while the Ozone layer has been repaired. The pandemic has taught us to view nature as something awesome yet protective one.

At the family and individual level we have learnt to appreciate life more – learn to value the small things  — talking to family and friends, something we are all doing now, but often gets neglected in everyday life. We have been suddenly cut off from our busy routine and forced to spend more time at home with our families and friends. People have become more conscious about the responsibility towards their families, especially about the health and the welfare of its members.

This pandemic has also taught us the importance of unity. We are all one. The rich are the same as the poor, the Europeans are the same as the Indians, the government is the same as the voters, the rulers are the same as the Opposition. We cannot overcome this pandemic unless we include everyone and watch out for each other.

Finally we have to remember that every cloud has a silver lining – we are getting a lot of time to ourselves. We can use that time as best as we can. We have to live with this pandemic and try to survive while caring for others.