‘Alon' Again (Naturally): Our New Abnormal (XV)

Don’t look now, but all the talk and fears of a global COVID second wave look very real – and this second “alon” should make us all count ourselves lucky, and extra vigilant, that we’re in a part of the globe where things seem to be better controlled and contained.

Don’t look now, but all the talk and fears of a global COVID second wave look very real – and this second “alon” should make us all count ourselves lucky, and extra vigilant, that we’re in a part of the globe where things seem to be better controlled and contained. Whether this better situation is purposefully managed, or out of sheer luck, is beside the point. What’s important is that we find ways to keep it the way it is, and not embark on some foolhardy route of “Recovery” that foregoes safety and prudence. Yes, the economy has to jumpstart; but it can’t become a situation of one step forward, three steps back.”

As reported during the week that just passed, there’s a dire outlook in Europe. A massive number of COVID cases were reported in France and Spain, while the United Kingdom is projecting up to 50,000 fresh cases a day by mid-Octo- b e r – unless restrictive measures are reinstated. When you consider this coronavirus has been on everyone’s radar for six months now, creating havoc with the economy and livelihoods, it’s not surprising that the news of the second wave and the corresponding lockdown measures elicited strong, violent reactions from the citizenry there.