Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1221489
6 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 15 MARCH 2020 OPINION AS we await further news, it is important to take stock in this defining moment and determine what kind of nation we are; what kind of nation we should strive to be. The precautionary measures taken so far are being stepped up every day: closing of schools and churches, banning flights from five countries, mandatory quarantine of passengers arriving from any country (punishable by high fines and in the case of TCNs, possible deportation), dis- couraging people from attending mass events, banning visits to old people's homes and strict restric- tions of hospital visiting hours. At the time of writing, there has not yet been any announcement of an official lockdown and many feel that the current piecemeal approach taken by the govern- ment is risky because there is a window of opportunity which is fast closing. The data from China shows that what is known as "flattening the curve", which is the contain- ment of the spread of the virus from person to person through social distancing is the best way forward. The curve simply stands for the number of people who catch the virus and develop COVID-19, the disease. The first curve is a sharp, steeply rising one, while the second is a smooth low curve. The first shoots up to peak well above a dotted line rep- resenting healthcare system ca- pacity, or the number of cases the healthcare system is equipped to undertake. The second peaks be- low this line. For this to be achieved, it would mean a complete closing of bor- ders (except for cargo), but that's not all. It would mean only al- lowing people to go out for work and for essential errands, in other words, staying at home as much as possible. It will be a sudden, sharp shock to the country, and everyone has to co-operate, but many believe it is the only way to give our health care resources a breathing space and prevent the system from breaking down. Those on the frontline, name- ly our doctors, nurses, and oth- er healthcare professionals, are bearing the brunt of this pan- demic and their health is of ut- most importance. And let us not forget they are not just dealing with this virus, but with other already existing health problems among our population. Until a lockdown is announced, however it is heartening to see that so many people are taking matters into their own hands and being responsible. Most theatri- cal productions, sporting events, exhibits and concerts have been cancelled. Many offices have of- fered their employees the choice to work from home, something which is to be applauded. Other places of business are encourag- ing their clients to contact them by email or phone rather than visit personally. I have seen res- taurants and cafes becoming very creative in the way they advertise their venues, to ensure public safety through social distancing without having to close their doors. Many taxi companies are urging those who use their ser- vices to avoid booking a cab if they are sick, and to observe hy- giene, while assuring the public that their cabs are being regularly sanitised. All this is highly com- mendable and vital at this point. I think what has happened in our neighbours in Italy has shak- en many to the core and the re- alisation has sunk in that, "there but for the grace of God, go I." It can easily happen: we are a densely populated island, we travel continuously as do many of those who have come to live here, while tourism is one of the backbones of our economy. At the time of writing there are 12 known infected cases of peo- ple who were abroad, but no lo- cal transmissions as yet. This is crucial because this means the spread has been contained and manageable… so far. By the way, Prof. Charmaine Gauci deserves a medal for her calm, measured, professional handling of the daily briefings. And yet selfish behaviour con- tinues, with raids on the super- markets and people spending hundreds of euros in one fell swoop while not leaving enough for others. Apart from making a dent in their own pockets to stock up their pantry and freezer, what are they achieving? Imports are not being affected by the clos- ing of airports and creating an artificial shortage of basic goods will only affect those who cannot afford to stockpile so lavishly. Imagine a pensioner going to the shops and not finding anything to buy. Are you proud of your- self now? There is also the issue of risky overcrowding. All the loud parental demands to close schools were useless if you are taking your children to a crowd- ed supermarket anyway. Travel is another example of the thoughtlessness which is still prevailing. Anyone who even thinks about travelling right now needs to consider their priorities and ask themselves whether it is really worth the risk (here I am talking about vacations and not travelling out of necessity). Flight restrictions are being announced and changing daily and many are stranded abroad and stranded here. Yes, cancelling travel plans means losing a lot of money, but financial losses are being suf- fered across the board: weddings are being postponed and other events have also taken a financial hit. However, no price tag can be attached to our health and any- one coming from another coun- try could be a potential carrier without knowing it. This is a time when how it af- fects "me" has to be replaced by how my behaviour is affecting others, in a scenario where it could literally be a matter of life or death for some. To this end, we also need to focus on ways in which people are rediscovering their ability to be compassionate. Such as the list circulating on an ex-pat group of various towns and villages and a contact person who is willing to help out with groceries for those in self-quar- antine – a thoughtful, touching gesture if there ever was one. Everyone can do their bit, such as landlords who should bear in mind that low-income tenants may be struggling financially right now and may not be able to meet the rent on time (come on, show us that you have a heart!). The government also needs to consider measures to allevi- ate the inevitable hardship this health emergency will create for those on the lower rungs of the economic ladder. The PM has mentioned that talks will take place but it would be nice to hear something con- crete being announced, especial- ly regarding quarantine leave, parents who need to take time off with children off school and so on. There are single-parent fam- ilies who may not be able to af- ford not going to work, and those who have no family in Malta and have no support system in place to take care of their children now that child care centres have been closed. There are also elderly people living alone who have no one checking up on them. With each new measure, we must bear in mind that it is always those who are on the edge of poverty who are at risk and now is the time for entire communities to reach out. My thoughts also go out to those who are sharing a flat with a number of others. How will the whole household manage to get through two weeks of quarantine if one of them has just come back from overseas, without any in- come coming in? There are many people living from paycheque to paycheque. There are also people who suf- fer from severe anxiety or OCD and I cannot begin to imagine how this whole situation is af- fecting them. They over-think and worry obsessively at the best of times, let alone in such a strange, eerie scenario which feels like we have stepped inside an Apocalypse movie. Family and friends need to look out for these people too at this moment. But I also believe that human nature is incredibly resilient. Al- though there are those who see it as making light of a grave situa- tion, I firmly believe in humour as an important coping mecha- nism, which is why I share funny memes. It is not because I'm not taking it seriously, it is because I believe our mental health needs an escape from doom and gloom in order to avoid slipping into de- pression or hysterical panic. Peo- ple like the talented comedian Ray Calleja are a perfect example of how one can keep their spirits up. Finding himself in self-quar- antine he has created a hilarious Facebook diary which combines his daily recipes, snippets from his home life with the quirks of working from home, while re- lying the advice being given by the Health Directorate. He is a breath of fresh air, he makes me laugh and it is a much-needed tonic. But perhaps the most beautiful, emotional thing I have seen late- ly is a video of an area in Naples, where everyone is confined to their homes, singing a traditional Neapolitan song in unison from their windows and balconies. I have watched it countless times, it makes me smile, it makes me cry, and it fills me with an inde- scribable mixture of pathos, joy and admiration. It is an example of how the human spirit in ad- versity somehow finds a way to reach down and rediscover its soul. I believe we can still manage to find that same kind of spirit with- in ourselves as well. Josanne Cassar To flatten the curve, everyone has to co-operate Prof. Charmaine Gauci deserves a medal for her calm, measured, professional handling of the daily briefings