Write a letter to the Editor of an English daily outbreak of Corona Virus in India. You may use the following hints.
Answers
Dear Editor:
As an AFGE member who is proud to be a federal employee working on behalf of the American people to provide essential services, I am concerned by the lack of support federal workers are receiving from the administration in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The way this administration has handled the pandemic is appalling. From chronic shortage of available personnel protective equipment early on, to the current lack of available telework opportunities for non-essential employees, this administration has made it clear that employee safety is not the number one priority. While I and hundreds of thousands of fellow AFGE members are more than willing to personally sacrifice during this crisis to provide essential services to the American people, I should not have to risk my health and my family's health in order to do so.
The federal government should be setting the standard for all American businesses and serve as a "model employer." However, the lack of communication and haphazard response to this pandemic from my agency tells me we are far from modeling good crisis management. There has been no clear, national guidance to employees, and policies seem to vary depending on which manager you ask.
The fact that management refuses to communicate with the union, the only entity that serves as a voice for employees, is extremely troubling. It sends a clear message that the opinions and concerns of front-line federal employees like me, who are risking our health to serve our country, don't matter.
While the administration claims to have things under control, we are seeing a very different story on the ground. Since the very beginning, I've seen nothing but unorganized chaos – with employees totally shut out of the process.
I am very proud of the services I provide to the American people, and despite these frustrations I will continue to remain dedicated to my profession. However, if this administration wants to get things under control, they must protect and listen to the employees who continue to put our health on the line every day for our country.
Sincerely,
[YOUR NAME]
[YOUR HOME ADDRESS]
Answer:
Science, not hyperbole
Apropos the editorial, “Not a time to panic” (March 13), it is imperative to take action against the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic but we are fearing an apocalypse and reacting accordingly in sheer madness. Conferences and public events have been cancelled, weddings postponed and schools have been closed fearing the spread of the virus. Businesses did quite well out of the disease. The sales of respiratory masks, hand sanitisers, anti-fever medicines and similar drugs have skyrocketed. If we are to avoid the so-called ‘coronavirus apocalypse’, we need to be guided by evidence, science and collaboration, not hype, hyperbole and impulse.
S.S. Paul,
Chakdaha
Preventive measures
The focus now is only on containment, not prevention, especially with a vaccine still not in sight. Shutting down schools, cinemas, travel, etc. are short-term measures. These cannot continue for ever. The government and civic agencies should now focus on prevention, as any virus spreads through unclean environments and also destruction of environments. While there are rules and laws, implementation is extremely poor. So, we have garbage in public places, overflowing drains and sewage, polluted rivers and lakes and animals moving to human habitation. Forests and wildlife reserves are being destroyed to make way for highways, dams and resorts. Now, it is for the government to see how it can make India clean and green, rather than invite more such virus attacks.
G. Padmanabhan,
Bengaluru