Enakshi reminds us that with the threat of Coronavirus staring us in the face, it’s time to act rather than complain. An exclusive for Different Truths.

It has been rightly said that if you have time to whine and complain about something then you have the time to do something about it. With the panic created by COVID-19 all over the world, the people have been responding to the pandemic either sensibly or have been doing things that make us question the sanity of human brain. While the people of Italy are spending time within their houses playing music, cheering their neighbours and singing songs of hope and optimism to combat this deadly virus, people in India are exhibiting their ludicrous notions and not leaving the limelight. They have been composing songs on Corona Virus and have been disseminating these songs on social media platforms. That’s not all. You can spot roadside vendors selling surgical masks for mere 20 rupees. You can see politicians advocating the benefits of Cow’s urine. If all that doesn’t seem enough, there are devotees who have been praying day and night, requesting ‘Corona’ to ‘go away’.

Recently Jim O’Neill, the British economist, praised the Chinese government and commented by saying that he was thankful that COVID-19 didn’t originate in a place like India otherwise all hell would have broken loose. His remark did make my heart sink but when I looked at the statistics and the efforts put in by our government, I couldn’t help but keep my chin up.

Recently Jim O’Neill, the British economist, praised the Chinese government and commented by saying that he was thankful that COVID-19 didn’t originate in a place like India otherwise all hell would have broken loose. His remark did make my heart sink but when I looked at the statistics and the efforts put in by our government, I couldn’t help but keep my chin up. Till now, India has been battling the disease quite well with only 415 cases reported so far, 7 deaths and 24 recovered patients. The airports are on high alert and the staff members are

leaving no stone unturned in checking the symptomatic travellers. Inspite of all the scare and chaos, the government has been making an effort to bring back the Indian nationals from other countries and if infected, they are being quarantined. But at the same time, there are people who are escaping the health officials and making a run for their hometown. In the process, they are spreading infection like wildfire. There are people who are taking full advantage of the Whatsapp University and are spreading myths that ‘Rasam’, ‘Turmeric’, ‘Cloves’, ‘Lemon’ and ‘Ginger’ are best remedies for Coronavirus.

While the government is banking on the educated citizens to stay put and refrain from infecting others or getting infected, the meme makers are taking the entire issue to the next level. Memes that mock Corona and challenge it to infect Indians who are already tolerant to the Delhi pollution are doing rounds. Memes mocking ‘namaste’ and ‘handshake’ are further acting as facetious remarks.

In the light of new directive by the governments of Karnataka, Delhi, Himachal Pradesh, Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and a few other states, 75 cities have been lockeddown from March 25^th to March 31st. This is to prevent the onset/ spread of viral infection to stage three where the exponential growth of the virus will become difficult to manage or control. But what are we doing as responsible citizens? Instead of counting our blessings and being thankful for the free access to water and food, we are whining about the fact that the schools have been shut down and exams have been cancelled. Such hypocrites we are!

In interviews, people are openly blaming the Chinese for feeding on bats and pangolins. Some are calling this an act of God (nature’s way of taking revenge) while some are saying that Corona has spread in the process of creating a bioweapon.

The government and the health authorities are making sure that people remain safe and sound and are, therefore, issuing public advisory related to the precautions to be taken when travelling. What they don’t realise is that the home remedies are already quite effective in preventing the attack of the Coronavirus (sarcasm intended).  In interviews, people are openly blaming the Chinese for feeding on bats and pangolins. Some are calling this an act of God (nature’s way of taking revenge) while some are saying that Corona has spread in the process of creating a bioweapon. Stories and even articles are doing rounds on Whatsapp. Sadly, social media, instead of spreading awareness, is offering a free crash course of attaining PhDs in deciphering the cause of COVID-19.

All said and done, it is our moral duty to help the authorities combat this virus by following simple measures like social distancing, self-isolation, following a proper hygiene routine, washing hands, seeking help in case of any symptoms and not spreading fake news. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rekindle love within the family members, spend quality time with your children and spouse and teach the younger generation to be responsible citizens. If this still doesn’t strike the right chord, think about the ones who do not have the luxury to work from home but have to go to work, travel in public transport and get vulnerable each day just to cater to someone else’s needs!

Photos from the Internet