Column: Does it really matter?

It has been a year since we have witnessed lockdown of borders around the globe, presumably to contain a deadly virus that originated in China. Early efforts to deter the spread of the coronavirus quickly failed, with more countries affected as the days goes by. Not long after the initial infection has first been reported, the World Health Organization has immediately announced a pandemic.

Looking back after one year, we see a world racing to vaccinate their population as global demand for the vaccines rises, supply chain issues became a concern, and side effects have been reported.

Which brings us to the thought of what will the world look like after herd immunity has been achieved; will the world be ever the same again? Is it really important for the world to return to the way it used to be?

Lockdowns and quarantine efforts have made us realize a lot of things, primarily due to isolation making us overthink a lot of matters. Government efforts to contain the virus through restriction of movement and detering populated public transport has forced companies to allow their workers to work from home.

But what was tragic was the massive lay-off of workers, while more micro and small enterprises have been forced to close. The coronavirus not only infect our lungs, but it also affects our emotional state and mental health.

What was really important was to survive through the lockdowns with food on the table. Economic activity is what gives us the means to earn our living, eat our own share of the fruits of our labor, and utilize the production and service of dormant resources.

It is important to consider public health amidst everything that is happening. While unemployment benefit claims arise, governments are quick to introduce stimulus checks to help those severely hit by economic closures, for them to receive means to get by. As vaccinations continue to rollout, the government must do its own share not only to contain the virus, but to help those people unfortunate enough to be left without any means to quench their thirst, eat something to quell their hunger, and pay the bills and rent.

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This Column is sponsored by Coffee Project.