Coronavirus: The Tsunami that comes in waves

Jun 07, 2020 Dr Zulfikar Bux, Features / Columnists

By Dr Zulfikar Bux
Assistant Professor of Emergency Medicine

As we may know, when a tsunami hits, it causes major devastation and often overwhelms countries and their systems. The devastating effects of the Tsunami often lies in the waves that comes after the first wave; these waves tend to be larger and spread further. Experts are concerned that the COVID-19 pandemic may act in a similar manner in some countries if they begin to relax and return to normalcy too fast. Today, I will highlight our situation and the possibilities that await us depending on how we act.
Where are we now?
As I pen this article, we have gone five days without any new confirmed infection. While this seems to be a step in the right direction, it does not mean that the virus is gone. There are still active cases in Guyana and there is the possibility of infected persons that have not been detected or are in the incubation period of the infection. For us to have some amount of certainty that we have weathered the storm, we need to have a minimum of 14 days without any new case.
Are we that lucky?
It seems that we have so far been very lucky. Our response to this pandemic has not been the “model” approach. It seems that we have been exposed to a weaker strain of the virus that is not as devastating as the other strains that are wreaking havoc in some countries. Our climate (higher temperature) and lower population density have also made it more challenging for the virus to spread. This does not mean that its over for us. A stronger strain of the virus can be easily introduced by an infected traveller coming from a country with the said strain.
What possibilities awaits us?
We have to be cautious and be prepared for the possibility of a second and third wave of infection which has the potential to be more devastating. These waves can either come from an imported strain that’s more virulent or from us relaxing and starting to ease social distancing which causes an upsurge in the viral spread. There is also the possibility of the current wave of infection dissipating and we manage to prevent new infections from occurring by working together to adhere to prevention guidelines.
What can we do?
If the current trend continues, we will have to find that balance between trying to sustain a semblance of societal normalcy but restrain ourselves sufficiently to minimize viral spread. For us to do the latter successfully, we have to minimize our public appearance and only venture out for necessities, wear masks once we are out, practice social distancing and ensure we strictly adhere to hand and general hygiene principles.
Can the outcome of the election results impact the spread?
We are currently winding down on the recount of ballots from our 2020 elections. There will be winners and losers. My concern is that supporters of the winning party may gather to celebrate victory, or the supporters of the losing party may gather to protest their frustration. None of these can be good for us as it will only make the environment conducive for the virus to spread. If this occurs, we may not be able to ride the waves of the tsunami to come.
Let us all be responsible and express our emotions in a responsible manner and focus on saving our country, our lives, and the lives of our loved ones. Countries with responsible citizens are the ones that are successful. Let’s all be responsible for the sake of our motherland.

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