by Curswell Tshihwela
We are in September and most of us feel like this year should be cancelled already. It has taken more than what it has given us.
Nobody was ever ready for the Covid-19 pandemic took the world by storm. Every country across the continent had to put measures in place to prevent the spread of the virus which lead to nationwide and global travels shutdown. People had to stay indoors, economic activities being affected the most.
Various countries had to adjust their financial budgets to meet the needs of those living in disadvantaged backgrounds and those who lost their employment. The virus spread between people most often when they are physically contacting with each other. It spreads very easily and sustainably through the air, primarily via small droplets or particles such as aerosols, produced after an infected person breathes, coughs, sneezes, or talks. It may also be transmitted via contaminated surfaces, although this has not been conclusively demonstrated. It can spread for up to two days prior to symptom onset, and from people who are asymptomatic. People remain infectious for 7–12 days in moderate cases, and up to two weeks in severe cases.
Infected individuals had to undergo self-quarantine for an entire 14 days without being in contact with their loved ones. Most people who contract Covid-19 recover, provided they adhere to the quarantine rules. For those who do not, the time between the start of symptoms and death usually ranges from 6 to 41 days, typically about 14 days. As of 23 September 2020, approximately 972,000 deaths had been attributed to Covid-19.
In China, as of 14 June, about 80 per cent of deaths were recorded in those aged over 60, and 75 per cent had pre-existing health conditions including cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. Individuals of any age with COPD, obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus and other underlying health conditions are at increased risk of severe illness from Covid-19.
Common symptoms include fever, cough, fatigue, shortness of breath or breathing difficulties, and loss of smell. Complications may include pneumonia and acute respiratory distress syndrome. The pandemic has caused a global social and economic disruption, including the largest global recession since the beginning of the pandemic.
According to estimations, up to 100 million people have fallen into extreme poverty and global famines are affecting 130 million people. It has led to the postponement or cancellation of sporting, religious, political, and cultural events, widespread supply shortages exacerbated by panic buying and decreased emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases.
Educational institutions have been partially or fully closed, with many switching to online schooling. Misinformation about the virus has circulated through social media and all mass media platforms. There have been many incidents of xenophobia and racism against different cultures and against those perceived as being from areas with high infection rates.
Now that you have survived, what do you wish who could have doe differently?
Twitter @curswell4; Instagram @Curswell Tshihwela
