The Lockdown came suddenly, and it took time
for us to adopt being at home and under a curfew. The Daily Labours, Workers, Employers,
Entrepreneurs, Industrialists, Banks, the Government, and the Economy; everyone
was forced to embrace the Lockdown. The
impact varied from segment to segment.
It was a livelihood issue for some.
For some, it was a question mark on the Continuance of their Job. It was the worry of Business Prospects for
Businessmen. So, everyone had something
or other to think about, to worry about – some less and some more.
The Lockdown 1 was more fun for the middle
class. When the Lockdown 2 came in, the
nerves were settled, and we could see some of them not seemed to be bothered
about the Lockdown and were flouting the rules.
With numbers going up and Lockdown 3 in place, it is quite natural that
the impatience turns into frustration.
What is in store next? Will we
have Lockdown 4? With relaxations
already in place, it is very unlikely a complete nationwide shutdown or curfew
is brought back. It will be a
catastrophe for the Economy.
The perspective we have of the World; living
within the 4 walls during these past 6 weeks is highly influenced by Social
Media and News Media. The former is a
launching pad for rumors and the later the launching pad for creating
opinions. The real understanding of the
world we live in will be known only when we step out of our Homes and into the
streets. One needs to be conscious of
certain important things and start thinking of ways to mitigate them.
The current situation is neither over nor under
full control. It is incorrect to believe
that things are normal. The COVID-19
virus is not going to vanish. The
coronavirus is here to stay for few years and will be defeated only when
everyone develops resistance to it. Just
like how other Viruses or diseases were/are handled. According to World Malaria Report, over half
of India’s population was at risk of contracting malaria in 2016. So, there is no need to panic. Too much fear is unnecessary. But all precautions need to be taken always,
at the least till a Vaccine or Medication is invented.
It is highly likely that most of us may get
inflicted with this Virus. It is not a
disgrace or dishonor or a shame if one gets inflicted with the Virus. Such a stigma or hatred should not be
developed. If one gets inflicted, the
important thing is to follow the medical instructions and stay isolated and
stay put at one place. It is not a sin
if one is contracted with this Virus.
One needs to monitor the Mortality rate to know how serious the
situation is. At the time of writing
this report, the mortality rate due to COVID-19, across the world is 6.90%,
across India is 3.30% and less than 1% in Tamil Nadu.
The Safety of the Jobs will be clear only when
the Economy opens fully, unless you are in a company which is very badly hit by
the lockdown and is beyond restructuring by the owners. So, expect some possible setbacks in the work
front. Expect more pressure from the
Superiors to perform. Plan now to see
how the performance can be enhanced.
The ability to sit for longer hours, the focus
and concentration required during regular work, should be sharpened. These would have surely impacted due to this
long lockdown.
Expect Social Life to be affected for atleast
the next 6 months. Travels of all kinds
would also be affected. More thought
needs to be given if one wishes to attend Weddings, Parties, Gatherings and
even visit Places of Worship.
We went into this Lockdown; unexpected and
unplanned. We cannot do the same when we
come out of the Lockdown. Mental,
Physical, Emotional and Psychological changes need to be made before we start
to re-enter into the real world – the street economy.
Reassess your situation, plan your re-entry and
till such time, enjoy the remaining few days of lockdown with your family, the
fullest – An opportunity which is unlikely to happen ever again in our life.
(The above article was
written as an Editorial for publication in May 2020 issue of PRINCE’S VOICE – A
Community eMagazine)
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