Coronavirus scare - He Says

Today, there is a global scare of the 2019 coronavirus which appeared in Wuhan, China. As of February 1, 2020, China confirmed 11,791 affected and placed the death toll at a horrid 258. Granted, we haven’t seen such a wide spread episode in a while; I had almost started feeling that modern medicine was reincarnated magic. It could cure almost anything and everything. Well, I guess not.

Health officials, doctors and researchers worldwide are attempting the discovery of a cure; however, even the source hasn’t been identified yet. Some scientists say that the early onset might be linked to a seafood market in Wuhan; others believe that the first case, dated December 1, 2019, had no connection to that. It was estimated to have emerged from an animal source but is now spreading from person to person, sometimes, even before the symptoms develop in people. Now, it has spread throughout China and 14 other countries.

Beyond the factual insight and the obvious empathy towards those affected, there is another, almost disturbing, trend that has picked up – coronavirus memes. I feel that although humour is a very common coping mechanism, those who are spreading such memes and jokes are not even remotely related to the situation and these are completely unnecessary additions to such an important and pressing issue. I feel that these jokes lack emotions and are a very careless and distasteful addition. In times like these, we need to be supportive and rational. It is something to be taken very seriously and we should, as a community, work together towards containing the spread of coronavirus. The government and NGOs of all countries can educate their people and monitor before it spirals further out of control. As I sign off, I just want to remind everyone that empathy is important and the next time you receive an ill-intentioned joke or misinformation, please think twice. Place yourself in that unfortunate situation. Best of luck and all my prayers are with everyone affected at the moment.