ALTHOUGH many new COVID-19 cases are reported and, tragically, there are still numerous fatalities, pressure is mounting to rescind some of the admittedly irksome constraints to which we have been previously subjected.
There is glib talk about a ‘second wave’ as though this is a natural concomitant of the life cycle of the virus. It is not. If we persevere with the quarantine measures which have helped to mitigate the consequences of the virus, then according to the scientists we shall see a slow decline in the number of new cases. There would be no second wave.
If a second wave occurs, this means we have released the necessary precautions too quickly.
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The 1918 influenza pandemic had a mid-year wave which was relatively mild. The second wave, in late 1918 and early 1919, was horrendous and most fatalities occurred then. I suppose this could have due to the huge troop movements that occurred as a result of the armistice which signified the end of World War I in November 1918.
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We must avoid the potential second wave.
All conceivable government instrumentalities are involved in addressing the enormous challenges of the virus. I have noticed that, worldwide, mayors a more likely to support ‘stay at home’ measures than national leaders who seek to return to a less abnormal regime. This is a natural. Mayors have a closer personal relationship to their constituents than those who are responsible for the national economy.
Nevertheless, mayors should enjoy authority for what happens in their jurisdictions. For example, Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London, England, has complained that the return to a greater degree of normality is being implemented too quickly. I hope he is able to influence matters. Otherwise there will be more fatalities than would have occurred if London has preserved a more cautious policy.
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In South Korea, easing of controls was implemented. Unfortunately the opening of a night club, a favorite haunt of non-heterosexuals, resulted in a visible deterioration in people’s safety. Schools were re-opened but soon had to be closed again.
The situation in the Philippines is unclear. The Department of Education (DepEd) has conducted a survey which reportedly showed that 687,911 out of 788,000 teacher respondents have laptops. If these can be used to provide online education, then the least DepEd can do is to pay for the teachers’ telecommunications costs.
Movement of returning OFWs within the Philippines is causing controversy. President Duterte is anxious that they should be able to return to their home provinces. I hope, however, that a 14-day quarantine can be implemented, otherwise currently low risk areas could easily have many new cases.
I am glad that the liquor ban has been partially lifted and that people can drink in their homes. It was regrettable earlier when there were those who abused a previous lifting of the liquor ban by indulging in rowdy group behavior. Hopefully, there will be more mature conduct on this occasion.
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Our burgeoning population, accompanied by a reduction in available land is, with or without COVID-19, resulting in a challenge to our domestic food production compared to our consumption. The sugar industry is no longer able to meet domestic requirements. The Sugar Regulatory Authority (SRA) regularly quotes data on our sugar consumption but it is not clear to one from where it obtains its data. Not all sugar imports are revealed to government agencies. We need more accurate data. Our sugar consumption is higher than reported by SRA.
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Say no to the second wave!/PN
