I know it looks bleak right now, but for one moment let's look toward the light at the end of the tunnel. Time travel is usually not possible, but we have a rare opportunity to see our possible future by examining how other countries faced off against COVID-19. 1/x
There were a variety of strategies and measures of success and failure containing, then mitigating, and lastly self-isolating against Coronavirus. The human toll is already horrible and likely will get worse before it gets better. But it will get better. 2/x
We're no longer talking weeks and it's probably a bit optimistic to think we'll be done in even a few months. But whether we succeed by flattening the curve enough that our healthcare system can be strengthened and cope with the onslaught of COVID-19 cases 3/x
or by bringing a functional vaccine to market for those who are most at risk from the disease. There will be a time in the future when humanity has adapted to a world where Coronavirus is managed quickly and outbreaks are minimized. We have to do everything we can 4/x
to support those on the front lines of this battle. That means strict social distancing, self-isolating if you're ill, getting tested if you're exhibiting symptoms, and marshaling the tools and protective equipment the healthcare system needs to get the job done. 5/x
We also have to support the people that make up our communities. Those who need a little extra help can't be abandoned. Those who lost their jobs or sources of income have to have that income replaced and their rent, mortgages, and utility bills suspended. 6/x
Because when we get to the end of the tunnel and step out into the warm light of a world where Coronavirus is no longer a threat to a functioning society, we'll want to have a society to return to. So tonight, while we are still in the first weeks of this 7/x
temporary new reality, take a few moments to think about what you would like a new society to look like. Would it be structured differently than the one we're leaving now? Would it provide healthcare & a safety net so when there are emergencies, we can focus on the healing 8/x
instead of the pain. Could we structure cities in such a way that it's easier to control pathogens, be in harmony with the environment, and provide safe places for kids to play and families to live? Would we expect to pay for higher education or 9/x
pay rent that isn't supported by the basic living wage of an area? How we live after Coronavirus will not look like how we lived before it. Humanity will survive the disease, and we should make the changes needed so that it will be easier to survive the next one. 10/x
Otherwise, what are we doing?
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11/11
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11/11
And if that's not enough motivation, read this thread and picturing it happening over and over again as new diseases, even just mutations of COVID-19, return every couple of years to take their toll.
