The world is now engulfed with the pandemic of COVID-19. What started as a novel coronavirus outbreak in China earlier year has now spread all over the world. As a disease, the COVID-19 is not particularly lethal, as 81% of the cases only have only mild symptoms [1]. However, the disease highly infectious and potentially fatal to older patients and those with a weakened immune system.
The virus is easily transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. There is also a possibility of transmission through airborne particles or droplets within an enclosed space for an extended period [1]. The incubation time of the virus can be up to two weeks, and there is a possibility of transmission even if one develops no symptoms [1]. With its highly infectious nature, the spread of the disease is rapid, especially if it is not detected early and contained.
Many countries were caught off guard by the spread of the COVID-19 within their communities, despite the early warnings from the World Health Organization. The government and healthcare systems of many countries are simply not ready to tackle this pandemic [2]. The incoherent messages from the government, healthcare officials, news, and misinformation social media on this outbreak have caused fear and anxiety in the general public. Fear and anxiety can lead to irrational behaviours. Panic buying and stocking of toilet papers that happened all over the world is just one example [3]. Worse still, fear also leads to hatred and mistrust that fan xenophobia. People of Asian descent are often at the receiving end of xenophobic actions and attacks due to this outbreak [4]. Fear is looming over the world now. Indeed, the world is seeing a pandemic of fear [5].
The world needs love more than fear, especially at a time like this. Try to think of those the healthcare professionals who risk their lives to treat those who sick. Give them a round of applause as they are the frontline fighters against the disease. Have a sense of gratitude towards those who protect us from this infectious disease. Since everyone in the community plays a critical role in disease prevention, hence wish everyone well and be free from the infection.
Let’s wish all who are sick, be it COVID-19 or any illness, be healthy and free from pain and sufferings.
Let’s wish all who have fear and anxiety be free from fear and anxiety.
Let’s wish the world be free from the sickness.
As the Buddha said, “all that we are is the result of what we have thought.” So, if we fill our minds with love and positive thoughts and direct them towards to world, collectively, we can help to ease this pandemic of fear.
May all be well and happy!
