‘This resurgence reminds us that the fight against COVID-19 is far from over.’ – Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, an Ethiopian politician and public health expert who has been serving as the Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO) from 2017 to the present.
Prepare for the grim return of an unwelcome visitor, COVID-19, which is again casting its dark shadow over our lives. Our hopes of a post-pandemic world are shattered as this notorious virus resurfaces, reminding us that our battle against it is far from over.
Life has a cruel way of throwing us curveballs. Just when we dared to dream of a return to normalcy, COVID-19 reemerges to steal the spotlight.
Viruses pay no heed to our plans for peace and tranquillity; they march to their beat, like an unwanted guest overstaying their welcome at a party.
They have their agenda, and it clashes with our desires. We are left facing a harsh reality – viruses play by their own rules, and we are at their mercy.
Brace yourself for the ongoing struggle, for there are more punches to come.
The latest numbers are alarming. Between December 10 and December 16, a staggering 20,696 new COVID-19 cases emerged, with a whopping 97% falling into the categories of asymptomatic or mild symptoms. Tragically, we have also witnessed 28 fatalities during this period.
What is the government’s response to this resurgence? Are we headed back into lockdown? Not just yet, according to Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad.
The panic button remains untouched, and there will be no Movement Control Order (MCO) imposed for now. Instead, we are urged to act responsibly like adults, adhering to the basics – wear masks, avoid crowded places, and, most importantly, get vaccinated if we haven’t already.
Dr Dzulkefly assures us that hospitals and healthcare facilities are prepared to handle whatever comes their way, closely monitoring bed capacity and patient treatment.
Despite the progress made with vaccination drives and the easing of restrictions, the virus has proven its resilience by adapting and finding new avenues to spread.
This resurgence serves as a stark reminder that premature declarations of victory were premature indeed, emphasising the need for unwavering vigilance and global cooperation.
The all-too-familiar routines of mask-wearing and social distancing are making an unwelcome comeback, casting a shadow over our aspirations for a carefree future.
It is disheartening to realise that the virus still possesses the power to disrupt our lives, forcing us to confront the fragility of our newfound normality.
The emergence of new variants adds yet another layer of complexity to the situation, as the virus engages in an ongoing game of evolution, constantly challenging scientists and healthcare professionals.
The effectiveness of existing vaccines against these variants raises concerns and demands a reevaluation of our strategies to combat this elusive adversary.
We must resist the temptation to downplay the severity of the situation or succumb to pandemic fatigue.
This crisis calls for a united response that transcends borders and political divisions. International collaboration in sharing resources, information, and expertise is paramount to navigating these uncertain times successfully.
Furthermore, this resurgence underscores the critical importance of ongoing research and development in virology.
Investments in science and technology must remain a top priority to ensure that we are better equipped to understand, predict, and counteract the threats posed by infectious diseases.
While the road ahead may be treacherous, we must not forget the lessons learned during the initial wave of the pandemic.
Transparent communication, evidence-based decision-making, and a steadfast commitment to public health are the pillars upon which our defences must stand.
This is not a time for panic but a call to action – a call to strengthen our resolve and confront the resurgence of COVID-19 with unity and unwavering determination.
So, brace yourselves for another round of the relentless COVID-19. It’s akin to dealing with that bothersome neighbour who refuses to leave. But fear not, for we possess the tools – masks, social distancing, and vaccines.
Let us confront this comeback with the same resilience we demonstrated before.
We must learn from the past, adapt to the present, and work together to secure a future where the spectre of COVID-19 no longer haunts our lives.
In the meantime, it’s time to mask up again and do our part to stay safe.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of the New Sarawak Tribune.
