COVID-19 has shackled economies, healthcare systems, welfare programs and social balances. Science is at the forefront of solutions while governments attempt to contain widespread infection. While we trust that the cure is on the way, changing our lifestyle and the way we do things has become a must more than an option.
The world is being decimated by the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19). About 80% or 152 out of 196 countries worldwide already have existing cases of the virus. Based on the recent World Health Organization Situation Report on 18 March 2020, there are already about 7,807 confirmed deaths and around 191,127 confirmed cases due to the virus.
The readiness of the world’s high-income economies such as Italy, United States and the United Kingdom have been overwhelmed by the rampant spread of the virus and its impact on each's healthcare system. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development estimates losses of about USD 1 trillion as a result of the pandemic.
There is mounting pressure on all governments to contain the spread of the virus. Many countries have implemented lockdowns, social distancing measures, herd immunity, mass testing and closing of public spaces to reduce the circulation of the virus among communities, particularly to protect the elderly and individuals with pre-existing conditions who are most vulnerable if infected. In some situations, governments are reduced to managing the number of deaths and choosing between saving its aging and younger population.
The Philippines has adopted an enhanced community quarantine policy in the entire Luzon island since 16 March 2020 where home lockdowns and closure of non-essential businesses are implemented. As of this writing, there are about 217 confirmed cases of COVID-19 with 17 reported casualties in the country. The numbers are likely to increase once mass testing begins but mortality rates are also expected to decline.
In a time where people are emotional for fear of health and loss of livelihood, scientists and researchers are working double time to find a cure to the dreaded disease. This is as frontline medical workers have also been infected while treating patients with severe to critical cases. As the numbers pick up, innovation has become a must both for medical practitioners and government officials in order to survive this pandemic.
COVID-19 has shackled economies, healthcare systems, welfare programs and social balances. Science is at the forefront of solutions while governments attempt to contain widespread infection. While we trust that the cure is on the way, changing our lifestyle and the way we do things has become a must more than an option.
The world is dealing with a virus like no other. COVID-19 is a new reality we must all start to deal with utmost seriousness. These are hard facts we must accept and fight as one world.
BLOG COMMENTS POWERED BY DISQUS
