By Maitphang Syiem
There is a time for everything (Ecclesiastes- 3), and the verse from Ecclesiastes 3:5 says “A time to embrace”. Being complacent may be our human nature, but at this juncture there is no room for complacency. Sarcastically lamenting, perhaps the virus in its first version was testing our mettle and it saw our guard and our planning gradually dwindling down with time and by the time we realize that we are off the pitch, the virus has unleashed its new virulent form. Hence the question hovering over us is why and where did we miss the gap? Well this is for us to introspect, but the current scenario demands that we embrace the situation be it with the guidelines, the possible help especially with the vaccination drive with a clear conscience that we are going to take back our stronghold and not let our game off the pitch with a strong heart that yes, together we can get rid of this grim situation. And with that positivity in mind we need to put our hearts and sousl together in letter and spirit.
There have been speculations that the virus may be a form of a bioweapon and considering the definition as laid down in the National Disaster Management Guidelines on Management of Biological Disaster which says “Biological weapons include any organism or toxin found in nature that can be used to incapacitate, kill, or cause physical or economic harm. Biological weapons are characterized by low visibility, high potency, substantial accessibility and relatively easy delivery methods”. There is an old saying “Kham ma u nongshun u ba ngim iohi” which translates into “there is a greater danger from an unseen enemy.” The virus is certainly an enemy with low visibility, incapacitating many essential systems such as health and education, causing economic stress and of course taking a toll on human lives. Another pertinent fact is that the virus is replicating at an unprecedented pace and this is something to question. We have seen global variants (VOIs) and (VOCs) like B.1.1.7, B.1.351, P.1, B.1.427 and B.1.429 and now we have our Indian variants such as B.1.617 classified as “Variant of Concern” by WHO. Somewhere we need to question as to why we keep having many variants. As laypersons it does not seem natural. Let us find out for ourselves.
Hypothetically saying, if the speculations are true then we really need to prepare from all aspects spiritually, physically and mentally to take the bull by the horns, to take a moment and think what we really need to do. If we see the guidelines on Management of Biological Disasters, immunization is one of the tools to protect ourselves to minimize the effects from biological threats and it is the only antidote. So the point here is are we embracing it with good faith?. Before we ponder further, keep in mind that any vaccine with proven efficacy is better than no vaccine. Let us dump all the theories in the bin and do the most crucial duty of saving ourselves and saving others. As laypersons we cannot deny the fact that there is a cloud hanging over us when it comes to this but we need to put our faith in place also. Here I wish to put few quotes and phrases to ponder, “Don’t be afraid; just believe.”(Mark:5:36),The situation we are in demands that we all need to be vigilant , disciplined with our actions and to stay strong on the inside and outside as well. “Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong” (1 Corinthians 16:13). Drawing inspiration from the phrases and the verses we really need to embrace all possible guidelines be it now or even when we get through this outbreak. As mentioned earlier we have no room for complacency ;we need to be on guard at all times.
Reiterating on “Complacency”, Covid has undeniably exposed the gaps; the elements that we really need to consider and put our minds together to chart out preparedness plans and the plans cannot be short term in nature. It has to be for a longer term assuming that this pandemic may stay longer and the plans are to be reviewed from time to time. Existing plans are to be broadened and strengthened. The top to bottom approach works to maintain the course of action but practically in such demanding situations it does not work completely as it is perceived. People who are on the ground know the reality and taking them on board to help in action plans would be a great participatory initiative. Of course this has to be a concerted effort from all possible facets of the society alongside the controlling authorities. To put it simply, we need street-smart planners and not book-smart planners as some things do not work by the books. The best responders in such situations are the locals hence identifying, empowering and mobilizing them is a vital step.
As we can see the major incapacitating focal point of the virus are the health systems, so our long term planning for this has to be exceptional and incorporate all the possible tools, giving an open platform to shell out ideas, on-boarding street-smart brains as it is a vast subject affecting many aspects. Covid scenario is definitely telling us to strengthen our health systems, our epidemiological surveillance and intelligence network systems and to imbibe from the local or may be global best practices, and till date the state of Kerela and its network of health systems (coronasafe) has been exceptionally the best in the country when it comes to managing this current disaster. Aren’t we supposed to embrace such best practices? If not now then when? Perhaps, the controlling authorities may think of an initiative involving local citizens to be part of epidemiological surveillance and monitoring. This will definitely bridge the gaps and augment the existing surveillance programme.
Assumedly till date we have not experienced the kind of caseload that other states are facing but when we really reach that stage and exceed our health capacity, it would be chaotic. This requires foresight. Something extra needs to be worked out and put in place. There is also an impending burden on the health workers and we need to realize this fact. As the cases are gradually sky-rocketing, a concerted plan has to be put in place. As we are enter a demanding situation, prioritizing and counteracting the focal point of covid is important. We cannot let our existing stronghold fall. After all, it is a fight.
At this point let us remind ourselves of this statement by Nobel Laureate, Joshua Lederberg, “The single biggest threat to man’s continued dominance on the planet is the virus.” This is undeniable when seen in conjunction with the present situation but let us also be not dismayed by what we are facing. We have all the protocols, all the guidelines and all the possible help but above all the most important weapon we have is our faith and hope. We need to embrace both. To conclude, there is a famous salutation of the India Army’s Assam Regiment, which says “Tagra Raho”, which also means staying fit and strong. Let us embrace that spirit and fight this fight together with a strong heart and soul.
(The writer is a Geospatial Expert. Email: [email protected])