Latest update January 3rd, 2025 2:01 AM

Guyana's largest selling daily and New York's most popular weekly

Latest News

Coronavirus – a greater sense of urgency is needed here

Feb 11, 2020 Editorial

The rest of the world is unsettled and on edge, when the latest reports are absorbed. Yet, the sense here is that this coronavirus threat is over there, way over there and, therefore, we may not be as concerned or as committed as we ought to be, whether at the official level or that of the individual.
If this is indeed the case, then it should be distanced from quickly, and all the stops pulled out to prepare and protect against this troubling health scare, which instils growing dread in more than a few places.
The World Health Organization is concerned, and deeply so. According to an article in Bloomberg dated February 10th, “WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus voiced concern over the spread from people with no travel history to China, saying “we may only be seeing the tip of the iceberg.”
There are two alarms in that stark warning from the head of the WHO. First, there is that phrase of “no travel history to China.” The hard question and sharp concern that must be faced head-on is this: if there is no travel history and no physical connection, then are there other places unconnected by any route (land, air, sea) to China, which could be the source of this ballooning problem? Because if it is so, then what is the world really facing at this time and what could be done to identify and contain it before things get out of hand? More pointedly, we do ask: can this virus be contained?
Let’s be clear here: we at this paper have no interest in spiking anxieties, since we already have enough of them to spare. But we have a duty to convey awareness and, hopefully, increase the level of local interest and precautionary measures that should be put in place in a sensible and practical manner.
We have no less an authority than WHO Director General Ghebreyesus, who was prompted to state publicly that what is known about coronavirus, in terms of numbers and sources, is “the tip of the iceberg.” The WHO leader is not supposed to be a sensationalist or an alarmist, and he is far from either. But this health issue has the grim results that attest to its frighteningly unknown nature.
From the New York Times edition of February 10th, there is reporting of 97 coronavirus-related deaths in a single day in China, which is a number to give the shakes. Also, that the reported cases of the virus on a cruise ship in Japan have almost doubled to number over 130 such victims.
In addition, over in distant Europe, and according to a BBC story on February 10th, “The UK government has declared coronavirus a “serious and imminent threat” to public health, and announced new powers to fight its spread.” This is only after a mere four reported cases of the sickness in the UK. The British are not the kind of people to panic easily, if at all, but its health stewards are taking urgent and preemptive steps to get in front of the fight against what is feared can spread out of control rapidly, and with dire implications.
Among the steps that can be implemented are “People can now be forcibly quarantined or sent into isolation and will not be free to leave under the new measures.” This is tough thinking and still tougher acting, should circumstances so necessitate. It may not be too farfetched of a recommendation, which this paper makes, that Guyanese health officials be ready to institute earlier than later. At the very least, it has to be on the table of options considered.
This is not the time to panic or to shrink, but we must also be concerned enough not to be casual or careless, but especially vigilant. This applies equally to citizens and coordinators and captains in the health sector. It is better to be safe than sorry, and this means that it is better that the most discretion be exercised. It is time to take awareness and preparedness to another level, be those at our ports of entry, in our schools and communities, or in the crowded places of our daily commerce.

Similar Articles

The Glenn Lall Show | December, 2nd, 2024

Follow on Tik Tok @Glennlall

THE BLUNT OF THE DAY

Sports

Grandmaster Jose Luis Montes to lead Self-Defense Seminar

Grandmaster Jose Luis Montes to lead Self-Defense Seminar

Jan 03, 2025

-Professionals, business owners, lawmen, security personnel, elderly to benefit from high-profile seminar slated for January 11 Kaieteur Sports- In an unprecedented initiative, Guyana is set to...
Read More
Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for Guyanese professional boxing

Keevin Allicock – the next torchbearer for...

Dec 31, 2024

Guyana Harpy Eagles begin Fitness Preparation for 2025 CWI Regional Four-Day Tournament

Guyana Harpy Eagles begin Fitness Preparation for...

Dec 31, 2024

The business end has arrived, a place in the final is at stake tomorrow night

The business end has arrived, a place in the...

Dec 31, 2024

Thirteen-year-old benefits from Project “Cricket Gear for young and promising cricketers in Guyana”

Thirteen-year-old benefits from Project...

Dec 31, 2024

Milerock stop Winners Connection 9-3 behind Drakes 5 goal spree, Botafago humble Capital Fc 8-3

Milerock stop Winners Connection 9-3 behind...

Dec 31, 2024

Features/Columnists

Publisher’s Note

Freedom of speech is our core value at Kaieteur News. If the letter/e-mail you sent was not published, and you believe that its contents were not libellous, let us know, please contact us by phone or email.

Feel free to send us your comments and/or criticisms.
Contact: 624-6456; 225-8452; 225-8458; 225-8463; 225-8465; 225-8473 or 225-8491.
Or by Email: [email protected] / [email protected]

Weekend Cartoon

Bridge Watch

Demerara Harbour Bridge

> Berbice Bridge […]