By Michael Tay, Johor MCA Government Coordinating Affairs chairman.
I’m saddened by the fact that US President Mr Donald Trump, the leader of a great nation has been infected with the coronavirus. The number of new cases in the US showed that the containment of the Covid-19 needs to be stepped up, or the situation is only going to get more serious.
I had studied and worked in the US for a period of time, so I care about this country even though I am not a US citizen.
From what I’ve read and heard, the fear factor is sadly lacking among some of the residents. Mr Trump himself declared that “Covid is not something to be afraid of.” Social distancing is not practiced and there is a lack of respect for authority. If the US does not come up with a better model or infrastructure, the situation is only going to get worse.
Things are not going to be like what it used to be. Get use to it. At least for now until a cure is found, I would advise people to stay at home unless you really need to go out. And if you do go out, please wear a mask.
It is a big mistake if people insist on believing that Covid-19 is a hoax, that sanitisation isn’t necessary and social distancing is stupid. Do not rebel against an indiscriminating virus in the name of democracy.
Looking at Worldometer, US with a population of 331.5 mil has 7.6 mil cases to date with more than 210,000 deaths while China with a population of 1.4 bil has 85,000 cases and less than 5,000 deaths.
I received a call from my sister in Taipei recently and she was telling me how impressed she was with the handling of the Covid-19 pandemic in Taiwan. She told me the residents there were fearful and they strictly observed all the SOPs.
A friend in South Korea told me the same thing. The country’s new coronavirus cases dropped from 3 to 2 digits as the people were fearful of the virus and were very disciplined in their daily lives.
Once you have the coronavirus, you’re on your own. Your friends and family can’t be with you at the hospital. Do you really want to die alone, without any loved ones by your side?
Everyone’s affected by Covid-19 in one way or another. There’s no more big scale celebrations or international vacations. There are lesser shoppers and diners. Some people are going bonkers and getting edgier due to financial constraints and emotional challenges.
This is a time where we need to help one another, especially towards those who have lost their jobs or are unable to put 3 meals on the table for their family due to pay cuts. In Indonesia, the residents share food with friends and neighbours. This is admirable.
On the subject of a General Election in Malaysia, unless the EC can come up with a mail voting system, a GE15 is not likely to take place anytime this year. Just look at the effect of the Sabah election that was held on Sept 26.
People are not coming out to vote during an outbreak. We do not want to be like the Philippines which recorded 3,190 new coronavirus cases on Oct 4.
My heart goes out to everyone regardless of race and religion, and in whichever part of the world you are right now. Most economies can’t afford another lockdown. Please don’t be in denial, and keep believing that the coronavirus is a hoax. Covid-19 is claiming lives indiscriminately. It can infect anyone, even a world leader.
Roam with Bee 