When the world has been turned upside-down and the future is more uncertain than ever before, it’s tempting to either panic or pretend that it’s business as usual. Panicking will result in the total obliteration of your rational self with no hope of making wise decisions. To keep going as usual with your blindfolds on insisting that nothing has changed, can be equally damaging.
This is a time for science and rational thinking. That’s what will get us through this. Yes, it’s going to be very, very difficult. Yes, the world will never be the same again. But, we will come out on the other side. There is a future after this crisis.
Listen to what the experts are saying. This is not about you or your plans for this coming spring. Understand that you have to make some sacrifices to do what is best for society.
So far, Sweden has chosen a different path in fighting this virus compared to a lot of other countries in Europe and the rest of the world. While this crisis is still unfolding, it’s very difficult to say what approach will be the best one.
I have great faith in the epidemiological experts here in Sweden and I believe they are taking the necessary steps to keep the spread of the virus at a reasonable pace, thus making it possible for the healthcare system to keep up. Because we have to understand, that it’s not about stopping or killing this virus, it’s not possible at this point since we have no vaccine and no drugs. We can reduce the rate of the spread of the virus and if we succeed in doing so, we might not have to make difficult decisions about who gets a ventilator and who doesn’t.
When you’re imposing a lot of restrictions on society you have to make sure that it will actually have a significant impact on reducing the spread. For that to happen, a lot of people have to comply. If only a few do what the authorities say, nothing much will change.
Now is the time to listen to what they are saying.
The authorities are pleading to Swedes to stay home for Easter holiday. There are no travel restrictions imposed but we are urged to really consider if that vacation trip is necessary.
You might feel fine when you leave, but what if you get sick while you’re away? Then you’re stuck in a cabin or hotel at least for a week. How will you get food and other necessary things? What happens if you’re still not well when your week is up and the next person is supposed to move in? Can you make it home in your own car making sure to not stop at any gas station on your way? What happens if you need medical care? What if you even have to be admitted to the local hospital?
The bitter truth is that your decision to not cancel your holiday trip might cause someone else to die. Someone’s mother or father or grandparent.
Stay home for Easter holiday.
Photo by Sebastian Staines on Unsplash
Leave a Reply