EDITORIAL | Uncertainty looms as COVID-19 blooms 

FROM THE EDITOR’S DESK:

The sudden spike in COVID-19 cases in Meghalaya, coupled with the fear of another lockdown, has instilled a sense of worry and confusion, especially among the business community, as citizens hold their breath in anticipation of what the coming days have in store.

COVID-19 shook the entire world. Aside from the precious lives that it took, the pandemic also dismantled the global economy, and many people lost their jobs.

2020 was a tough year indeed and, the ones who suffered the most and who continue to do so, are those who live from hand to mouth. Similarly, people engaged in the business and hospitality sectors were subjected to torment as many of them had to shut down their businesses.

In Meghalaya, tourism and small business had just taken off after a gap of one year. Just when things looked like they were improving, the sudden surge in COVID-19 cases has brought back grim memories of 2020 and the uncertainty of lockdown.

People fear that another lockdown is inevitable. To prevent this from happening, the State Government reimposed the night curfew and issued fresh notifications and guidelines.

But are we following these guidelines?

Just look at the scene in Garo Hills on April 15.

Citizens and leaders alike showed complete and utter disregard for COVID protocols, and the sad part of it all is the fact that most of these free-spirited and immune folks were, at one point, lecturing others on how to adhere to guidelines.

Practice what you Preach!

People are smart, and not everyone is a simpleton.

For example, many look up to leaders only to troll them later on. The countless number of memes is more than enough to prove this.

In Shillong, since the East Khasi Hills registers the highest number of active cases, the need to put in certain restrictions and guidelines to curb the spread of COVID is pertinent.

But ironically, that applies only to a few sections.

People have also raised questions on the recent order issued by the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, prohibiting shops, establishments and markets in Shillong agglomeration from opening on Sundays.

It would seem the virus attacks people only on Sundays and spares them when they visit crowded market places on weekdays. Many would probably scratch their heads in confusion at this.

But whatever the case may be, closure or no closure, we, as citizens, must do our part to prevent the spread of the virus. Let us not wait for the worst to happen and then blame it on the government.

Let us all adhere to safety protocols. Prevention is better than cure. It starts with you and me!

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