Such Fools We Are, Aren't We?

Sitting Ducks. That's what we are.

The Covid monster is back! In a more virulent strain, with a renewed vigour. And you know what? We are responsible for inviting it back.

Unfortunately, we depended on the Government to take care of us. 

Till the lockdown went on, we were very careful and obedient in following all precautions. Innumerable misery and loss of livelihood during the lockdown was justified as necessary in the greater interest of public health and safety. We remained cooped up in our houses, gave up going out, children lost their childhood games and outdoor play, so many of us lost their jobs, pays were downgraded, businesses and workshops closed own. All because of the looming threat of being affected with a disease that knew no cure.

A year later, with two vaccines in our kitty, we are back to square - not one, but zero. Why? 

Because we thought the government has built hospitals with the public fund they had collected last year? Or did we think we have made exceptional advances in disease control and cure? Or had we assumed we will all get happily vaccinated and become immune against Covid like some god? 

The grim ground reality as of today in our country is this:

• Medical facilities and hospital infrastructure remains more or less where these were a year back. This time the cases are multiplying with greater speed, so the pressure on the existing medical infrastructure is both unprecedented and horrifying.
• Two vaccines have been rolled out, but are already in short supply. In our bursting- to- the-seams populated country, it is impossible to vaccinate each and everyone at the current pace. (Let's not even talk of the weird logic of exporting vaccines without ensuring enough stock for our own people!)
• People dumped common sense and caution, socialized with abandon, celebrated the election festival by crowding in rallies and political meetings, egged on by politicians. No surprise, these have been super spreaders.
• And finally, our belief that God will take care of us, even if we behave like unruly, insensible brats, led to lakhs of people thronging the Kumbh Mela during a raging pandemic! Again, no prizes for guessing where the virus gleefully spread. 
• Once again, the poor and the middle class stare at an uncertain future, severe income loss, and financial ruin. In this interim period, this strata had to bear the brunt of the lockdown, now again, there is the looming threat of businesses shutting down and innumerable jobs being lost.
• Doctors, nurses, hospital staff, policemen, public utilities staff, delivery boys, sanitation workers, and all frontline workers got their vaccine, but couldn't get a moment of rest. Their ordeal has started again.

So, now let's just think for a moment. Was it worth it?

Was it worth travelling and socializing with throngs of people? Was it worth, crowding markets and shopping malls before festivities? Was it worth proving our allegiance by attending political gatherings with gusto?

Would our lives be ruined if we stayed at home for a year, and masked ourselves in public while maintaining enough physical distancing? 

I told you earlier, and am repeating it now. NO ONE is bothered about your health and wellbeing, except your own loved ones. The politicians and the rabble rousers are least bothered. The money making big businesses don't give a damn. The government officials care too hoots, whether you live or die.

So, whose responsibility was it to remain safe????

#COVIDSecondWave

#Coronavirus

#SecondWave

#VirulentStrain

#MedicalInfrastructure

#CrowdedHospitals