Jaristotle's Jottings | The ‘coronasation’ of Ja

Jamaica has now joined the more than 100 countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19, even as some of the first- world countries are facing severe challenges in controlling the spread of the virus and caring for infected persons. Although it is only one case so far, we would be extremely foolish to think that at some stage we would not have to face the realities of this global threat in one form or another, not the least of which are the implications of local infections.

An important issue that needs to be considered is whether we will have the stomach for the preventive and mitigating measures that will be necessary if we are to keep the brewing storm at bay and reduce the impact of a ‘strike’.

Bitter medicine

Effective prevention and mitigation against a threat such as COVID-19 will require a disciplined approach on the part of each and every individual. Any deviation from the strict protocols appurtenant to effective prevention and containment can seriously undermine the collective efforts of the government and compromise countless others.

Given the pervasive indiscipline within our society, I wonder how the authorities will manage this issue. Public education will go a long way towards encouraging compliance; however, will it be sufficient? The absconding of an individual from a quarantine centre just this week is testament to this indiscipline, and also speaks to a wider issue of ignorance among our citizenry. In addition, we will still have the purveyors of crime to contend with, and I don’t see them going into semi-retirement any time soon.

So, are our authorities prepared to implement and maintain martial law-type lockdowns of individuals and communities, should it become necessary?

Unity

I am assured that the government has put together a comprehensive plan to deal with prevention, mitigation and recovery, more so now that the virus has found its way on to our shores. What I am unsure of, however, is the extent to which the government and the citizenry are prepared for the long haul.

Global supply chains are already being affected, and things are likely to get worse. There will be a significant impact on our economy and the population: lifestyles will have to be adjusted as commodities become less available. How is the government going to deal with panic purchasing, predatory hoarding and price gouging?

Shortages may force us to develop a greater appetite for local products over imports, to grow what we eat and eat what we grow. The challenges may make us more united as a nation, collectively determined to beat the hell out of COVID-19.

However, if we are to look at past, and even current carryings-on by our politicians, the other side is never right. Notwithstanding how useful and practical the other side’s position may be, respective governments have blindly rejected such inputs and done things their way.

Since none of us will always get it right, and given the level of discombobulation that we may experience if we don’t get it right, an about face on the old-style dismissal of the other side needs to be had: COVID-19 has no political allegiances. Bickering for political mileage and majoring in the minor send the wrong message and waste precious time, focus and energy.

Addressing this threat has nothing to do with who gets swathed with nectar and attracts more ‘voting-bees’: it is about beating COVID-19. The sooner our parliamentarians stand together, telegraphing commitment and solidarity, the more likely the rest of us will swallow the bitter medicine.

Preventing the ‘coronasation’ of Jamaica requires a firm hand, the will to enforce and endure the bitter medicine to come, and political solidarity in the face of a killer.

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