For the first time in decades, has the world experienced a global shutdown that deeply decimated the world’s economy within six months of the arrival of a deadly disease known as Coronavirus.
Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a highly transmitted and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome, coronavirus 2 (SAR-CoV-2) which emerged in Wuhan , China and spread across the world. This is why Donald Trump refers it as Chinese disease. However research showed that the SAR-CoV-2 is related to severe acute respiratory syndrome, which is SARS like, a bat virus hence the conclusion that bats could be the possible primary reservoir. So far, the intermediate source of origin and transfer to man is not known. However, the rapid transfer of the disease from man to man has been confirmed and still spreading..
As much as the disease is spreading like wildfire, there has been a global lockdown to curtail the spread. Unfortunately, thousands of people have died across the globe, from Asia to Europe, America to Africa etc. According to WHO, there is a total of 4, 258, 666 confirmed cases and 294, 190 deaths still counting. On the globe, two hundred and sixteen countries, areas and territories have indicated the prevalent cases of COVID-19. Unfortunately, in these countries, those that contacted the disease and those that died of it least expected it would happen, so had no future plan, especially for the bread winners who have dependants, and this has seriously compounded the crises across the globe. Proprietors of small and medium businesses such as petty traders, artisans, and subsistence farmers are facing hard times now, and no doubts, they may not survive the aftermath of the crises. For the developing countries, the consequence is disastrous and without financial support, small and medium industry may be brought to zero which is tantamount to loss of jobs and means of livelihoods. As a matter of fact, there will be rising cases of security issues, bordering on armed robbery, kidnapping, ritual killings and adverse behaviors. Currently, many families are faced with financial depression, hunger and abuse.
Internationally, bilateral trade has been brought to a halt and businesses around the world are left counting costs, while banks are slashing interest rates to encourage borrowing and spending in order to boost the economy. Consumers are witnessing stockpiling food in order to absorb the shock associated with the lockdown.
Since this locked down would have been a good opportunity for busy CEOs and business men to unite with their families, however there has been increasing incidence of sexual abuse, gender base and domestic violence. It is envisaged that drug abuse, unwanted pregnancy and abortion will take a high toll among persons within the school age this period.
More so, there have been ample cases of police brutality on citizens over deviance from staying at home and also killings of civilians, mostly youths in some part of Nigeria by soldiers. It is really unfair and unprofessional.
The global lockdown is historic, unpredicted and scary because of the widening fear of its attendant consequences.
As scientists are working hard to develop a COVID 19 vaccine, hopefully we will be alive to celebrate the end of this pandemic, and unite again with the quarantined. Before that, we should always remember to practice social distancing, use face masks, and sanitize our hand regularly.
And for those who have lost their lives untimely either by COVID-19, domestic violence, police brutality or by way of the guns, we pray solemnly for the repose of their souls.
The Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) is a highly transmitted and pathogenic viral infection caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SAR-CoV-2) which emerged in Wuhan, China and spread across the world. This is why Donald Trump refers it as Chinese disease. However research showed that the SAR-CoV-2 is related to severe acute respiratory syndrome, which is SARS like, a bat virus hence the conclusion that bats could be the possible primary reservoir
So far, the intermediate source of origin and transfer to man is not known. However, the rapid transfer of the disease from man to man has been confirmed and still spreading. An infected person may be sick with the virus for 1- 14 days before developing symptoms. The most common symptoms, is fever, tiredness, dry cough and difficulty in breathing.
There has been no recommended treatment for the disease, though some recover from it without special treatment while it is very acute with old people and people with cases of asthma, diabetes or heart disease.
As much as the diseases are spreading like wildfire, there has been a global lockdown to curtail the spread. Unfortunately, thousands of people have died across the globe, from Asia to Europe, American and Africa.
International bilateral trade has been brought to a halt and businesses around the world are left counting costs and banks slashing interest rates to encourage borrowing and spending in order to boost the economy. Consumers are witnessed stockpiling food in order to absorb the shock associated with the lockdown. Since this lockdown would have been a good opportunity for busy CEOs and business men to unite with their families, however there has been increasing incidence of sexual abuse and gender base and domestic violence.
The global lockdown is historic, unpredicted and scary because of the widening fear of its attendant consequences.
As scientists are working hard to develop a COVID 19 drug , hopefully we will be alive to celebrate the end of this pandemic, and unite again with the quarantined.
Before that, we should always remember to practice social distancing, use face masks, and sanitize our hand regularly.
And for those who have lost their lives untimely either by COVID-19, domestic violence, police brutality or by way of the guns, we pray solemnly for the repose of their souls.
By Nnaemeka Onyejiuwa Justin
