By Glenn Kharkongor
In times like these, one must not take the moral high ground, criticise the government, or indulge in finger-pointing blame. As good citizens we must cooperate with the government, and look out for each other, especially the many poor in our communities. It matters little what our religious beliefs or political ideologies are; finding balance and perspective also count.
With social media and public platforms, each person has a soapbox, and many freely express themselves too freely. I have seen many balanced posts providing information and empathy. Sometimes it is not up-to-date or properly nuanced. These posts spread easily and can carry misinformation far and wide.
This is not referring to posts which are over the top, wildly speculativeconspiracy theories, pseudo-science cures, or religious fanaticism which regards prayer and repentance as the only measure that is needed. Doomsday-mongerers, who quote from ancient texts, only heighten fear and apprehension among the gullible. We are talking about the well-meaners.
Letters to the editor
There are careless statements in some of the letters to the editor in yesterday’s Shillong Times. Like “I am sure that all doctors will agree that this is the most unprecedented health crisis mankind has ever witnessed, at least in modern times.” Apart from the syntax, this writer has surely forgotten the epidemics of smallpox and the famines in in the last century, not to mention the several pandemics of flu in the last few decades. Such breathless hyperbole does little to calm the waters. The same writer goes on to say, “Therefore, this also becomes a moral obligation of the medical fraternity to demonstrate a little kindness and compassion”. Surely this is a harsh call.
Another writer says that, “the government is responsible for the health and well-being of each and every citizen”. Does this assume that as thinking and responsible human beings we have no role? How can the government be responsible if people smoke, eat junk food, don’t exercise, and carelessly spread infectious diseases?
Posts on Facebook
Someone has explained that the Janata curfew “was planned for 14 hours because the surface life of the virus is 12 hours and thus after the curfew the country will be safe”. Such simplistic explanations will appeal only to the naïve and ill-informed. If it were really so, then all the measures such as the 21-day lockdown is not needed.
“The government appears to be desperately trying to conceal community spread by blaming only those who returned from abroad.” Of course, it is possible that community spread is occurring, but the present measures are needed to forestall community spread at least in some regions of the country.
“Meghalaya, unequipped, ill-prepared, can be wiped out in 2 weeks by this virus”. Such exaggerations indicate a poor understanding of the behaviour of virus spread. Even if the entire population lined up in one place and was injected with the virus, many of them would not even get symptoms, and of those who do, most will recover.
A similar post, “India is battling an invisible enemy called Coronavirus COVID-19, which has potential to wipe out 80% of Indians and 60% of world population”. Where do people get these numbers from? Just made up!
“Don’t eat all the food during the first few days. Ration food. Otherwise you’ll end up starving. Remember the Chinese window period was 12 weeks.” Not sure of the logic of this, but eating moderately is good advice, even in normal times!
“We saw Trump on TV — every channel — and he said it was approved”. This was about the press conference on chloroquine. NBC News reported that a man, 68, died and his wife, 61, both took chloroquine to guard against the novel coronavirus and quoted their President. Tragically the husband died and the wife is in critical condition. Such are the dangers of self-medication.
“What this crisis teaches us is to not make funerals too emotional and deal with death pragmatically. All the churches and faith groups should spread this message.”Perhaps some of our cultural traditions will change. Among Khasis, community grieving at bereavements is an occasion for large groups to gather. During the few days prior to burial or cremation, arrangements are made for pandal, hired furniture, sintex tank, tea, snacks and meals. After the funeral, there is another dinner, and then some households have separate events for their employees or other special groups. Maybe these practices need to be scaled down.
It is normal to have certain fears in the face of an unfamiliar disease, but scientists are providing the most accurate information they can and governments are relying on their medical and public health advisors to take the best measures.
As responsible members of the human race, the best we can do is pass on credible and useful information and not indulge our ill-informed opinions. (IANS)