राइट एन एप्लीकेशन टू द एडिटर ऑफ न्यूज़ पेपर अबाउट द इंक्रीजिंग रेट ऑफ रवि इन योर एरिया
Answers
Explanation:
G. Padmanabhan,
Bengaluru
Scientific outlook
We feel a deep sense of precariousness in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. We realise how fragile and vulnerable we are to outbreaks of infectious diseases. It is as if we are suddenly blindsided and brought to a standstill by the pestilence. Unsure of what will happen next, we often take a deep breath to calm our racing pulses.
The prognosis is for more people to be affected by the affliction in the coming days. The steep economic downturn and concomitant loss of jobs and incomes, economic distress and lowered quality of life due to the pandemic deepens the all-round gloom. Whether COVID-19 poses an existential threat to the human race or not, it has certainly become a very serious global health crisis. It is spreading rapidly, assuming alarming proportions and causing a lot of psychological anxiety. It is of great comfort that COVID-19 is sparing children and over 98% of the patients recover. At the same time, we wish that old people too are not susceptible to the attack of the virus and all people recover.
A wide range of measures, from closure of borders, denial of visas, cancellation or postponement of sporting fixtures and cultural and religious events, suspension of tourism, ban on air travel, cancellation of hotel bookings, closure of schools and colleges, cinema halls, pubs, gymnasiums, museums, parks, resorts beaches and places of worship and pilgrimage, construction of more isolation units and screening and quarantining and conversion of homes into workplaces are some measures being taken to cut the transmission chain and contain the pandemic. ‘Social distancing’ or staying away from others prevents the transmission.
It is a novel experience to watch matches being played in empty stadiums without spectators or behind closed doors. The chance of ‘external survival’ of the virus in the hot climate is said to be slim; but it is yet to be proved conclusively. However, it is reassuring to hear from China that the pandemic will be ‘over by June’ if countries take concerted action.
The pandemic should promote global cooperation and collaboration, make us aware of the futility of fighting among ourselves and tame our aggressive instincts, result in reduction of manufacture of arms and ammunition and make us more scientific in our thinking and lifestyle.
G. David Milton
Maruthancode, Tamil Nadu
The very phrase ‘COVID 19’ these days strikes an invidious and incalculable terror, coupled with an insurmountable anguish, since the dreaded virus has taken a toll of more than 5,000 innocent lives. It was China from where this dangerous virus commenced its most cruel and hitherto unheard of scourge. China is leaving no stone unturned to put a stop to this deleterious spread of the virus. But it appears that no light has emerged so far. It is struggling much to the dismay of all other countries, which one by one is steadily getting entangled in its vicious grip. But it is a thousand pities to learn that Italy has been the most unfortunate country which has had to bear the brunt of COVID 19. But for wringing our hands in utter despair and despondency, what else can one do? This may be the ubiquitous refrain of all normal human beings.
We need to clasp our hands together and pray to the almighty for the situation to improve and normalcy to be restored.
Mani Natarajan,
Chennai