Bleak times ahead for humanity
A TINY virus has the world cowering in fear. Man has always had a fear for the unknown, the vast expanse of the seas and the universe, of heights, sea monsters and giants. But now, the tiniest of living creatures is causing death, fear, panic and havoc around the world. It’s like an opportunistic predator, striking down the sick and the elderly. What is even more worrying is that, in some cases, people infected with the virus show no symptoms. The world is spinning out of control, hurtling into self-destruction.
As the coronavirus pandemic spreads rapidly, it has caused major social and economic upheaval. With the infection and death rate soaring to frightening levels, there are major disruptions to human activity. Entire cities and countries are under lockdown and health services are under immense pressure. Travel and tourism have been badly affected. With thousands of flights cancelled around the world, airlines are in a tail spin.
Sporting events around the world have also been postponed or cancelled. The Tokyo Olympics is the latest victim.
Perhaps worse than the effects of the virus on human health is the economic impact. Stock markets have crashed, wiping out trillions of dollars of investments overnight. Factories have cut down on production, and restaurants, bars and entertainment centres have had to close, putting many out of work. If the contagion is not brought under control soon, which seems most unlikely, a global recession looms.
While many businesses have been badly hit, some even having to shut their doors, retailers have been having a Christmas bonanza. Consumers around the world panicked and dashed into shopping malls and shops emptying the shelves of essential items, leaving none for those who come later.
It’s each man for himself and reveals a selfish side of humanity. But what has toilet paper got to do with coronavirus? It is a flu-like illness and does not cause dysentery or diarrhoea. I went to Clicks, and there was no toilet paper. Even in England, toilet paper has flown off the shelves.
But how could the minutest of living creatures that is not even visible to the human eye be such a threat to mighty man? President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a 21-day national lockdown and other stringent measures to combat the virus. The South African army has been ordered to get battle-ready, not to fight the invisible enemy which, in any case, would be a futile exercise, but to enforce the lockdown and help with the distribution of medical supplies.
People are praying. But will prayers save us from the virus? I very much doubt it. But I wouldn’t be surprised to hear of an opportunistic pastor using the virus to con his gullible congregation to empty their pockets.
T MARKANDAN | Johannesburg