In the last few days we haven’t stopped receiving information about COVID-19 (or Coronavirus). However, we must not forget that we have already suffered throughout history several episodes that have generated collective hysteria in many sectors such as the crisis in Greece, the bird flu, the Mers and the bursting of the dotcom bubble, among others.
It is very difficult not to be afraid of the situation that we are facing. Also, the amount of information we receive on a daily basis, on many occasions, sensationalist headlines that sow uncertainty and panic in our society. However, we have been through worse times, and however lonely we may feel, we are all in this together.
None of us can face this crisis alone and, if anything characterizes us as a society, it is that we are capable of caring for those around us. This applies especially to young people whose age and conditions place them in groups at low risk from this virus. However, we must take precautions and distance ourselves socially so that people who may be at greater risk are safe. The less pressure we put in our health system, the less danger there is for a person who may need care. The only way to flatten the curve is to take care of ourselves, because the people around us need us to take care of ourselves.
If there is another quality that characterizes us as people, it is that we are social beings who, because of this situation, will find ourselves alone and isolated. These are relatively small sacrifices that we will have to make if we want this situation to cease. However, lets remember that, as citizens, isolated or not, we are an essential pillar of the health system.
In recent days we have received numerous videos from various people who have found ways to be useful in building a new social fabric against isolation and the virus, and even though they are not health professionals, many have offered to provide support to increase the welfare of those most in need. However, we still require a greater collective effort to overcome Covid-19.
This crisis puts to the test the values that identify us as a society, among which is solidarity. A good example of this are the volunteer positions that the Community of Madrid has created to help vulnerable people during their isolation. These 7,000 places have been filled in just one day. We know that this crisis will come at a great cost. However, how much it will cost depends on our solidarity with the most vulnerable parts of society.
This crisis also highlights the people who are essential in our daily lives, and who are currently exposing themselves and putting their own at risk to meet our needs, so that, among many other things, we can go to the supermarket to buy the products we need. These people also deserve to be applauded for the effort made every day.
This reality calls on citizens, all of us, to be in solidarity and generous in helping to contain contagion, making sacrifices that may seem small and temporary, but will help to save lives. We must bring out the best in us: solidarity, generosity, moderation and thinking of others. In addition, we can take this opportunity to learn, and this will help us all to try to improve aspects such as family reconciliation among many other things.
We must feel united wherever we are. Solidarity is the message that must be conveyed everywhere to ensure a better future. This pandemic gives us the opportunity to change the individualistic dogma that sometimes seems to reign and to claim solidarity as an esencial pillar of our humanity. Let´s respect the distance, but let´s overcome this crisis closer than ever, together.
Sources: La Vanguardia, elPeriódico, Delfino
