Audacity of Ignorance

Yesterday, I had to go to the Officeworks shop to print an urgent contract document, and I dropped in at Highpoint Shopping Centre which is located just opposite to the bus stand. The ride there and back was lonely with me and just another commuter in the bus.

Reaching Highpoint, I saw a lot of businesses open. Much more than few weeks ago. Shoppers were busy shopping, eating, walking, waiting in line.... almost as if there wasn't a coronavirus scare. Mouth masks? Fewer were was using them. Almost all shops had the 'keep 1.5m distance' signs everywhere, with hand sanitizers available at entry points. But there wasn't enough space between the aisle to respect the requisite 1.5 meters distance.

Statistics in Australia

The news in Melbourne these days are cautionary, with reports of coronavirus deaths and infections, yet people seem to have accepted it as a way of life. From the confirmed case of 6,783 positive cases in Australia, some 5,789 have recovered while 93 died. Nearby Victoria has 18 deaths from the 1,364 positive cases with 1,172 recovered.

The statistics are encouraging, as testing reaches more people, lesser numbers are coming out positive. The level 3 lockdown measures are still in place, and only essential travel is encouraged. But people are starting to ignore them, even as the Victorian government plans to complete 100,000 tests within two weeks, before easing the restrictions.

What's happening in Bhutan?

Back in Bhutan, the news of people flaunting the quarantine norms is indeed very disturbing. People partying in the quarantine centres? Paper money being passed from the windows by those in quarantine to others outside? People escaping from the quarantine centres? 

Every positive case of Covid-19 is of visitors and Bhutanese who returned home from overseas. Woe be to the one who causes a community transmission within Bhutan. The hospitals are prepped, health officials ready, FCBs stocked, Desuups and volunteers trained....but do we really need to test the available preparedness? Do you want to throw caution to the wind? Do you want to increase the positive COVID-19 case from 7?

Bhutanese cannot afford to be complacent. There are plenty of countries from where we can learn. We need not necessarily repeat their mistakes. We just need to learn lessons from them.

What would happen if Bhutan enters the Red Zone?

We do not want Bhutan to enter the Red Zone, which might even go on to curtail the very freedom we take for granted today. Inter-Dzongkhag travel could be totally banned. Very strict curfews can be implemented. And people may not be allowed to venture outside their homes on the penalty of hefty fines. Only essential workers will be granted travel permits by the central authority. 

And our schools would have to remain closed for a longer time. Our children will lose on their education, schooling and possibly a year.

So, heed the advice of the government. Stay home. Respect the quarantine norms.

The south hallway of Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbourne Australia.