The second coming

With the slow pace of vaccine roll-out and fast spread of the deadly virus, there is chaos and fear

The virus has struck once more, and more cruelly in its mutant forms. Lockdowns are announced, and people who have found their feet and freedom for a short while need to withdraw into the confines of their homes. Or if they need to venture out, it should be in a guarded fashion, socially distanced, heavily masked, shielded and gloved. Every pandemic has a second wave but the writing on the wall was not read. Many of those who have unfortunately been affected are dying in hospital compounds and homes without the availability of beds and medical oxygen, with doctors and medical staff at the breaking point. With the slow pace of vaccine roll-out and many receiving their shots also developing symptoms of the deadly virus, there is chaos and fear. Life has been an interminable queue from the hospital to the crematorium. Death has not been a dignified end to life but forever an ignominious memory when loved ones “die like disposables”. We were in a hurry to come out of the earlier lockdown with disastrous results for life and the economy, ushering in the second wave. Lockdowns have now become discretionary depending on the havoc created by the virus. Super-spreader events such as elections and religious gatherings were sanctioned, with thousands running the risk of infection and equitably distributing it across the country Work from home for most office-goers is a compulsion, blurring the lines of home and office and impossible hours taking a toll on everyday lives. Gone are the days when one could saunter up to a colleague for friendly banter in the common room or at the water cooler. The familiar sight of friends trooping into a lift or crowding in the canteen was comforting. School and college students are on line trying to cope with their syllabuses and tests and their future. They miss the proximity of teachers, the camaraderie of classmates, a friendly game on the lawn, the sun on their faces, the wind in their hair. Since when has childhood become a lonesome affair without that human connection regardless of devices that proclaim they connect? Only strong relationships bind and make a connection.