With the spread of the Coronavirus the world changed, life was shattered and normality devastated. This however is not only a change which will last as long as the pandemic endures; the post-pandemic world will also be a different one, permanently wounded and changed with paradigm adjustments to how we behave and act. A major shift will take place as world economy and markets will be severely destabilised with needed change. Despite the history of previous pandemics (history seems to repeat itself) such as those of Rome in the 2^nd and 3^rd century, the Athens outbreak in the 4^th century, the Justinian plague of  the 6^th century, the Black Death of the 14^th century and last century's Spanish, Asian and Swine flues and the Aids epidemics and numerous 'prophets of doom' predictions and more serious cautionary auguries, the arrival of the Corona Virus has found us unprepared. In spite of all our scientific and technological progress we are at a loss as how to cope with this new virus which seems to have the world in a trauma and at its mercy. Regretfully, up to the present day we know little of this virus, not only of its properties, but also of its origins; laboratory experiment gone wrong, fish market initiation, animal transmission to human or the lethal twinning of two viruses? All of which remains a grey area giving rise to disturbing conspiracy theories and fake news speculations which further contribute to our already high state of anxiety and concern.

We are also psychologically ill-equipped to deal with the problem as so far science seems unable to come up with any form of protection or cure. Because we do not know the origin or behaviour of the virus, more than fear, we are experiencing anxiety. We fear enemies we know, but we are anxious about those we know little about. We are infected not only by the virus but also by the maladies of uncertainty and anxiety. Scientific institutions and also alas international bodies and governments are at present just juggling in the hope of finding a solution, if indeed there is one. Definitely the post pandemic world will require a unified co-ordinated approach, especially in its efforts to restabilise the economy. For there is no doubt that the pandemic has wrought havoc. Millions have lost their jobs and remain unpaid. Unemployment is rampant and the whole business world is in chaos, held hostage to the virus. Towns and cities are now deserted, mantled by an eerie emptiness, reminiscent of Giorgio de Chirico's metaphysical canvases, with institutional edifices, commercial, entertainment outlets and domestic residences all in imposed lockdown.  

We are regretfully losing many members of the older generation, the elderly our most valued, loved and cared for age group. The virus has also robbed us of the dignity of dying. The infected die solitary, desolate and alone with no goodbyes and without even a consolatory touch, a fond farewell or the sound of a loving voice. What we had taken for granted as normal has been thrown into complete chaos. The dying are also deprived of the last rites. Funerals are no longer consolatory gatherings of family and friends, but solitary short time events, with no friends to bid their last goodbyes. Multiple deaths and urgent burial requirements have curtailed previous funerary customs. We are also lamenting the loss of human proximity, the paragon epitome of close friendship and endearment. This also has fallen under the venomous mantle of the virus. Proximity, once a welcoming gesture of affection is now labeled as dangerous. Social distancing is the order of the day; no more hugs, no caresses, not even a handshake, and all these at a time that tenderness and affection are most needed.

While we are so far witnessing the inability of science and medicine to cope with the disease, this causes us to diminish our trust in these institutions. On the other hand the respect for medics, medical staff and health workers has grown in stature. Gratitude and admiration for these professionals continues to increase as they provide lifesaving services at great personal risk in a chaotic overburdened healthcare organization. Our gratitude must know no bounds.

Regretfully the choice to be made may well be that of either saving the economy at the expense of relaxing restrictions and allowing increased mortality, or of increasing lockdowns and restrictions and damaging the economy, but saving more lives. A difficult choice if ever there was one! Yet unlocking the lockdown to augment the economy can have serious life endangering consequences. Ultimately we may have to exchange freedom for survival.

We had feared that a calamity on a global scale would be caused by conflicts of war or nuclear devastation. Ironically it is an infinitesimal microscopic virus which has inflicted brutal devastation, and although we think we are at the end of the beginning it is regretfully only the beginning. What is now needed is unified international co-operation to intensify the search for a palliative vaccine, imposed world wide testing and to take all measures for the prevention of a second wave. Individual countries laxing restrictions may well, with all their good intentions, further even more cases. Hence the necessity of global agreement. Each individual country providing patch-work solutions could well provide a situation prone to further infections. The post pandemic scenario will have to enforce draconian precautionary measures in order to prevent possibilities of relapses or spreading of new viruses. Strict public surveillance and social control will be enforced; life will be forever changed.

On a more positive note we will learn to love and respect each other more than ever, and cherish things we never had time for before. The pandemic has fostered in us a sense of unity, solidarity and caring. As a common enemy which we must all fight it is compelling us to unite and join in unison irrespective of belief, social status, colour or race, reminding us that we are one humanity despite our differences and diversities. We can only overcome if we are united. It is in unity that we are strong.

"We are waves of the same sea, leaves of the same tree, flowers of the same garden". Persian Religious leader 19^th Cent.

 

AFTER

THE

WORLD

LOST IN UNCERTAINTY

SECLUSION AND SEVERENCE

AND

THE GHOSTS OF THE VIRUS

ARE

LAID TO REST

WE

SHALL AWAKE

TO

A

SUNLIT DAWN

REOPEN OUR HEARTS

HOLD

HANDS

EMBRACE

AND

LEARN TO LOVE

AGAIN

 

With death at our doorstep, faith and prayer remain our only weapon. With the failure of government and the inability of science, religion prevails. Although churches are closed and prayer services suspended we have discovered that God can be reached from our homes. In dark times, when all else fails us we turn to God. For although we know that He is always there, He is closer to us in times of tribulation. We have to realize that the Corona Virus epidemic is with us till science finds an appropriate vaccine or till it declines on its own. Our hope can therefore only come from faith and prayer. It is faith that leads us to believe in the words of Psalm 19, the Psalm of protection:

"A thousand shall fall at your side, and ten thousand at your right hand but near you it shall not come. No harm will overtake you... He will rescue you from the destroying plague".

These words show us that God is with us in times of crises. I augur that they will be of encouragement to all of my readers.