Over a year ago now the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a global pandemic after a number of Covid-19 cases were confirmed worldwide. Following which, we have been battling against this deadly virus which in a span of 365 days claimed more than 2.7 crore lives and infected over 11.97 crore people the world over. The corona virus has severely affected 219 countries and has dealt a severe blow to the world’s economy. Though during the later part of the year both the numbers of deaths and active cases showed an impressive decline, the danger is not over yet. Rather, it has been further compounded with the emergence of new variants. Already countries like Germany and Italy are on the verge of imposing another phase of lockdown. As a matter of fact, many believe that Germany is facing the third wave of this lethal virus. In India, states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka have witnessed huge surge in numbers of active corona cases. The situation is so alarming that the Maharashtra Chief Minister has warned the people in the state to either strictly adhere to restrictions or get ready to face another spell of lockdown, apart from imposing several restrictions in cities like Thane, Pune and Nasik. Night curfew has been imposed in Union territory Chandigarh and Bhopal, the capital of Madhya Pradesh. On Saturday last, over 25 thousand people tested positive in the country, which is the highest single day spike in 2021. According to some experts, this may be the start of India’s second Covid-19 wave.
Even after a year, if the situation appears to be equally threatening, it is primarily because of two reasons. Firstly, several people have shown utter disregard for Covid protocols suggested by virologists. Simple measures such as wearing masks, maintaining social distance, washing hands frequently are not being followed properly. The situation has forced airlines to contemplate imposition of fines on passengers if found not wearing masks in a proper manner during the journey. For the same reason, the Maharashtra Government has now ordered a ban on late night parties in Mumbai. As a result of the surge several states have reemployed restrictions on people coming from outside. If such a situation continues, sooner than later, we may find ourselves in the midst of another lockdown. Secondly, it’s a pity that the world is not united in its fight against the pandemic. The time old divide between the rich and poor, powerful and weak is hampering the endeavour to wipe out this menace from the root. Thus far, eight vaccines have been approved by WHO however, it has been found that while the majority of the population living in rich countries will be vaccinated by early next year, poorer countries will have to wait till the end of 2023 for immunisation. It clearly signifies that the world will get no respite from Covid-19 until 2024 unless all nations and its peoples take a vow to work in unison to beat the menace that is Covid-19
