The recent upsurge in COVID-19 cases in Guyana is quite troubling. This epidemic, which many believed would have subsided by now, seems to have only just begun to reveal its true impact on the Guyanese populace. When the dust settles, how many Guyanese will have been infected? How many will have died?
Some estimate that this global pandemic may not end until 2022. It is quite unsettling to think that this could continue for two years. It is quite troubling to think that eventually every family may be affected; that we all may have lost relatives or friends or we ourselves would have been its victims. This virus does not discriminate. The dreams of the young and old, those of African, Asian and European descent, rich and poor, could vanish forever because of this virus.
The impact of the coronavirus has changed the world forever. Whether families are forced to bond in isolation or parents must finally parent their children. Schools are closed in many countries and the new way of communication between teachers and students is through the screens. People have been financially crippled due to the loss of income. People are mourning. Freedom of movement has been affected. Those who survive this would certainly have grown a new appreciation for life and the privileges we have often taken for granted. Certainly, the bonds we create with relatives and friends may be more valued. People are becoming more aware of the power of the mind and are searching for spiritual answers.
2020 is not only a year where the threat of coronavirus is real, but we have continued to witness the depths of depravity. Many people are tired. Some are struggling with depression. What is happening to the earth and its inhabitants?
In the midst of this global pandemic, people are protesting injustices world-wide; bombs have exploded, and natural disasters are upon us. There is a catalogue of iniquities and the list is growing every day. We must wonder what world our descendants will inherit.
Guyanese cannot afford to die in vast numbers. It would cripple us as a nation. The trauma would last for many generations to come. If the hospitals were chock-full with COVID patients and bodies had to be stored in refrigerated trucks on the streets because the morgues were full, it would terrify us. I remember how shocking it was when New York was in the midst of the crisis and a relative told me this was happening. I spent days and weeks worrying about my people who live there.
These experiences are affecting us psychologically; the wails from the grief are echoing. We have seen the sick and the dead. Often, we are watching our screens as if it is some film or television show. But gone are the days when many of those images on the screen were just make-believe and we were safe. I have no doubt that hell is here.
However, still we must comfort ourselves and hope that soon better will come. Though the numbers of infected are increasing many are still careless and are not following the safety practices. There needs to be swift and extensive interventions to convey the messages that:
We are not invincible.
This virus is real.
People are dying.
You could be next.
Many have found comfort in the fact that the mortality rate is low. But though most people are surviving one cannot be certain about the long-term effects of this virus. The virus can damage the brain, heart and lungs that we know, but we should also be concerned about the unknown.
At the time of writing this worldwide there are 24 million cases, 15.6 million recoveries and 822 thousand deaths. The United States leads with 5.9 million cases, 3 million recoveries and 182,000 deaths. Our neighbour Brazil is second, with 3.72 million cases, 2.91 million recoveries and 118,000 deaths.
With the rapid increase of cases in regions 1, 7 and 9, many Guyanese are wondering if Brazil is having an impact on Guyana. Are Brazilians entering the country illegally and possibly contributing to the number of infected? While much of this is speculation, I recall some weeks ago when Brazilians were among the positive cases here.
At the time of writing this, Guyana has 1,140 confirmed cases and 32 deaths.
Some have been calling for a lockdown. It has recently been announced that those found in public without masks will be charged.
One strategy I believe could impact the population are the testimonies of survivors. Let us hear from more people who would have been severely affected by COVID-19. I saw one testimony on social media a few months ago. I think such testimonies should be disseminated throughout the country through various mediums. Let us also hear from the relatives who lost their loves ones and how it has affected their lives. Some people do not fear until they face death or lose a loved one.
No one wants to experience a general feeling of uneasiness coupled with exhaustion, coughing and fever. Who wants to wake in the middle of the night hearing dogs howl? Many believe this is an omen of death. Imagine such a night, sweating profusely and coughing to the point where it is difficult to breathe. Imagine having to be rushed to the hospital and your loved ones not being able to accompany you. Imagine being isolated like your existence is a threat to all of humanity. Imagine a time when the hugs and kisses of your loved ones may help you take another breath, but you are contagious, so you are denied. Imagine being on a ventilator; unaware or unsure of what is happening around you. Imagine being comatose and seeing the light many who have been close to death have talked about.
Most of us can only imagine how it feels to experience severe symptoms of coronavirus. And even the mild symptoms because most of us have not been affected. Whether it is that we refuse to follow the safety practices, or we believe that it is a conspiracy, we are witnessing sickness and death around us. We are responsible for saving ourselves. Government and the people must work together to control and eventually eradicate this virus. We are testing and the numbers are rising, a curfew is in effect and those who refuse to wear masks in public will be charged, but if this virus continues to spiral and our cases double, triple or quadruple, are we prepared?
