COVID-19, the pandemic, which has swept across the world this year, is the first of its kind in decades. Pandemics in the past, like the Spanish flu, failed to reach all corners of the world. But, today, the world is much more interconnected. Therefore, an airborne virus that originated in Wuhan, China, soon reached almost every country.
Frequent flyers and travelers helped transport this virus wherever they went. So, before WHO could address the pandemic, it was already too late. Furthermore, the denial of Chinese authorities and late closing down of borders made the situation even worse. Millions of people were affected, and many lost their lives to the deadly Corona Virus and lockdown. One of the biggest challenges was to stay healthy during lockdown both physically and mentally.
Health Crisis
With over 25 million cases and over eight hundred thousand deaths worldwide, the COVID-19 pandemic has proven to be catastrophic. It is certainly the worst health crisis of our generation. The airborne, contagious, and deadly virus has brought forward world organizations and countries’ inability to contain or battle such a pandemic. Delay in implementing lockdowns, lack of personal protective equipment for medical staff, shortage of ventilators, and hospital beds were major crises.
The virus originated in a wet market in Wuhan, China, later found its epicenter in places like France, UK, and the USA. Today the top three countries with the most COVID-19 cases include India as well. The worst affected states include Maharashtra, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh. India was in complete lockdown for several months in the hope of tackling the virus. This gave the government the necessary time to increase capacity in testing as well as treatment.
Economic Crisis
The economic impact of COVID-19 has been farfetched. The world economy was at a standstill for many months. More than half of the world population was on lockdown. The world aviation industry was shut. Supply chains were disrupted, which led to a shortage of food and essentials. In particular, India faced an exodus of migrant laborers that spread the virus in remote villages as well.
Therefore, the lockdown, which was implemented poorly, failed miserably. Along with daily wage earners, many others lost their jobs. Small businesses all over the world had to shut their doors. Even after stimulus from the government, they failed to reopen.
Race For A Vaccine
Countries like the USA, Russia, and China are rushing to put out an FDA-approved vaccine as early as possible. Russia is leading the race, as it has already started phase three human trials of its vaccine Sputnik V. Although we are not sure when commercial production and distribution will begin. The USA is close behind and promises to release a vaccine for COVID-19 by the end of the year. But India is leading the race with its homemade vaccines from Bharat Biotech and Serum Institute’s house.
The novel coronavirus that put the whole world in lockdown is now at its peak. As we struggle to contain the virus and return to normal life, many have lost their lives. The health care professionals are in the frontlines risking their own life to save others. We hope for vaccines soon so that more lives are not lost to this deadly pandemic.
