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Post-Covid-19: An unprecedented event

1 avril 2020, 12:12

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Never before have we been faced with such a terrible threat to our lives. So used to our comfort zone, at first, we took it lightly: have we not had the better of malarial fever, La vache folle, dengue, chikungunya and other such diseases that wrought greater havoc elsewhere. We have made so much progress in science and technology, and medical science has advanced so fast that no disease could curb our superb and overconfidence. But the shock in the world has bent our heads and made us aware of our limitations. 

The reaction of our people 
Our reactions have been diverse: from overt defiance in spite of the rate of contamination, through extreme fear for our survival. In Mauritius, except for the reaction of the health authorities, the initial immunity resulted in an arrogant scepticism followed by panic and extreme fear. We have noted the indiscipline of some of our people. Despite the appearance of the first symptoms of contamination which, thankfully, proved negative and the occurrence of the first deaths and the PM trying with his ministers to grapple with the killer virus and appealing to the population for assistance in containing its spread, many remained sceptic and continued business as usual, But, in this case, business was not serious work, but enjoyment. Some went on picnic parties as if they had no private space at home and it was the first time they saw our beaches. Some, forgetting confinement instructions, grouped themselves to indulge in small talk, if not plain gossip. 

Unbelievable Behaviour 
One important lesson we have learnt, though, is that many of our compatriots, in spite of their education, will never change their uncivilized behaviour to which we have been used every day on our roads. And they have the cheek to complain when the police, exasperated by their insensitivity, are rude to them. Do these ruffians realise that doctors, nurses, the police and others are exposing themselves to death just to save us and our children. Will this pandemic effect a salutary change in our manners and our mentality? Shall we become less selfish or shall we continue to act violent in supermarkets and grab the best for ourselves and leave peanuts for others? It is understandable that people need diapers, toilet papers bread and flour; but should we hoard all these things? In Australia, with a different culture, shoppers were doing the same, except that now they have moved to alcoholic drinks. It seems that, like Europe did during the bubonic plague, the fear of doomsday has surprising effects on people. Some, like the Epicureans, say: ‘Let’s eat and drink, for tomorrow we die. Another extreme behaviour was people walking in the streets lamenting and whipping themselves to be forgiven their sins. But, in Mauritius, we, who are so religious and always celebrating religious festivals with prayers and dancers, have calmed down through fear of the virus, forgetting that everything is in the hands of God. Let us hope the virus will have taught us a few lessons. 

Lessons we may have learnt 

  • Life is short and the temporary nature of our stay on earth; 
  • Food is perishable: hoarding is stupid and deprives others; 
  • Decision-makers should devise the best communication means in order to avoid confusion and panic; 
  • Only those who obtain information first-hand should come forward to avoid misunderstanding. The dates of communiqués and other official announcements should be clear; terms such as “hier” should be accompanied by precise dates
  • As far as possible, not more than two persons should communicate on one theme. 
  • Once it is announced that a measure will be adopted for a certain matter, like admission of customers in alphabetical order in supermarkets, this should be proceeded with without undue delay; 
  • Everything should be done in future to avoid problems resulting from reactive measures, e.g. food and vital drug supply in times of calamity is a matter that demands our urgent attention. This is where we may become wiser after the event; and
  • The authorities should invite local experts to offer advice in such difficult times.

 

Rajoo Vithilingem, former Speaker of Regional Assembly and former Permanent Secretary.