The COVID Saga : Need to Accept and adjust to the new Normal

India is in an unprecedented lockdown. National and state governments have joined forces to enforce a lockdown that is unmatched in size and scope, globally, to battle the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19)

A number of key lessons can be learnt from this pandemic. The first is that collective action is a necessary condition. The close inter-connected nature of our present world suggests a synchronized global effort of lockdowns, development of a vaccine, provisioning of emergency medical supplies, food and shelter. 

To undertake these measures effectively, we must have a mindset change. A mindset that is willing to acknowledge personal costs for the benefit of others and the global society. A mindset that looks at the long run benefits and not the short run costs.

We need to consider that our population is so high that if our administrators, on such a short notice, when the entire world was confused, had decided to use this(per million rate) as criteria then our limited resources would have been dissipated in no time and they would have been so out stretched that the genuine cases, which needed tests would have suffered. We would have made the Problem much more acute, complex and unmanageable. It would have had disastrous consequences.

It is significant for the legislature to fabricate more prominent trust among individuals. Disconnection procedures and consistence with testing have been best in nations like South Korea where individuals trust the administration. 

The long-term solution, though, is in greater investments in the health system: more trained health workers, better infrastructure and adequate medical equipment, and robust health information systems. India is a vibrant democracy.

While I do hope that we will be able to get back to the pre-Corona days, it is increasingly looking more and more difficult.

The way we move about and have fun will change. Public transportation, carpooling, mass transit, mass entertainment avenues such as bars, restaurants, concerts, entertainment hubs and cinemas will become forbidden.

Over a period of time Corona will become another kind of annual ailment. Not very different from cough, cold or influenza. Till all of us build the required immunity, we need to practice social distancing and stay safe.

The Indian Govt is taking a holistic view of its capabilities and handicaps, rightly chalking out its strategy . Using the resources optimally by a focused and priority based approach, as mentioned above and systematically will keep improving the testing facilities. 

Secondly, in the absence of any full proof treatment, it is better that the infection is prevented from spreading and virus is destroyed through social distancing and hence the Lock down.

Then, identifying  the Hot spots and then Containing /Isolating affected areas.

In my opinion, it is the best strategy that a nation like India with limited health care facilities and high density urban areas could adopt.

The future impact of COVID-19 on our lives is going to be more significant than we think. It is critical for businesses and individuals to understand that this is not a transient phenomenon. 

A few of the many suggestions that have emerged are:

1. Strengthen and improve our health care systems.
2. Create social security nets for the marginalized and economically vulnerable segments of society.
3. Replace our indicator of success from the mis-used Gross National Product to a suite of indicators, each giving us an idea of how well we are doing across a class health (physical to mental) well-being, ecological well-being and economic security well-being.

We have to adjust to the new normal and we have to accept the new reality fast. In the new normal, needs will overshadow wants – as impulse buying and high-ticket purchases get prudently postponed. This will drastically reduce non-essential consumption, at least for the next couple of years.