Osman Gani

The whole world has changed with just one word: coronavirus. The economy has come to a standstill, education has stopped, the health sector has collapsed, and a deep uncertainty has descended on people's lives. This virus, which was identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019, has become a global pandemic in a short time. Bangladesh has not been spared from its terrible clutches. However, the real fear of coronavirus is not so much due to the transmission of the virus, but more due to our panic, rumors and ignorance. Initially, people knew very little about corona. As a result, panic spread everywhere in the beginning. The media, social media and various rumor-based channels further fueled that panic. Suddenly, all the pace of life came to a halt. Lockdown, quarantine, isolation, social distancing - all these words have taken a new place in our lives. People crowd into shops, overstock products, many stay at home out of fear of seeking treatment.

They die sitting down. However, if we had been aware from the beginning instead of panicking, this virus could have been largely controlled. The truth is, as dangerous as Corona is, it is also preventable. All that is needed is to follow proper hygiene rules and act based on information.

In the initial shock, it was seen that people do not know how the virus spreads, how to protect themselves from it. Initially, there was widespread panic and confusion due to the inability to distinguish corona from the common cold and fever. Due to lack of information and wrong messages, various misconceptions were born among people. Many people took rumors as truth. Some said that eating garlic would not prevent corona, while others considered gargling with black cumin or salt water as an antidote. However, there is no scientific basis behind all this. The terrible consequences of this ignorance can be seen in everyday reality. Not wearing a mask, not following hygiene rules, and roaming outside unnecessarily are manifestations of ignorance. This negligence of an individual creates a risk not only for himself, but also for the entire society. To break the chain of infection, widespread public awareness was needed, which has been absent in our society for a long time.

The rumors spread during the Corona pandemic in Bangladesh were a reflection of extreme ignorance. Some said that drinking hot water would kill the virus, some said that gargling with salt water would prevent corona. Some thought black cumin or herbal ingredients were miracle cures and consumed them without following the rules. Many were physically harmed by this. None of this information had a scientific basis. Even the social behavior towards corona infected people was frightening. Many isolated the patients, some even went to the village and village as soon as the patient was identified. Preventing burial after death, reluctance to take patients to hospitals, blocking ambulances - these behaviors have revealed a cruel and unconscious face of our society.

Fear weakens people, while awareness makes people brave. Fear does not allow people to face the truth, but rather pushes them down the wrong path. Whereas awareness teaches people to analyze information and helps them make the right decisions in times of crisis.

Those who were conscious during the Corona period, such as regularly wearing masks, Those who washed their hands and followed social distancing remained relatively safe. On the other hand, those who believed the rumors and showed carelessness were in danger and put others in danger. Initially, the government took some time to react. However, with time, the health sector became active, corona tents, high-isolation centers, increased hospital capacity, and vaccination programs were launched. But it was not possible for the government alone to keep this huge population aware. This required active participation from every level of society.

If educational institutions, mosques and temples, social organizations, and local public representatives had all worked together to raise awareness, the situation would have been more under control. Fortunately, this has happened in some places, but the overall picture was not as expected.

The first wave of the coronavirus pandemic made it clear how serious the health sector's infrastructure, preparedness, and coordination were. The country did not have enough ICU beds or adequate oxygen supply. Initially, there were limited laboratories to test for COVID. Many hospitals struggled to survive while providing treatment.

The safety of doctors was extremely critical. Many doctors, nurses and health workers worked at the risk of their lives, performing their duties without proper PPE. As a result, many doctors lost their lives, which was an irreparable loss to the nation. This experience has taught us that ensuring the safety of mental health providers is not only a humanitarian responsibility, but it is also a sustainable driving force of the health system. Another big lesson of Corona is the importance of preventive healthcare and awareness raising. Treatment is essential in case of disease, but prevention is even more necessary. The awareness campaigns that were conducted on following hygiene rules such as washing hands, wearing masks, maintaining social distancing, etc. have brought the importance of health education to the fore. Schools, colleges and even people in villages are also educating them about the need to follow hygiene rules.

At least we have become aware. Corona has shown us the extent of our shortcomings in the health sector. Many hospitals did not have ICUs, did not have enough oxygen, and did not have protective equipment for doctors.

Corona has shown us the extent of our shortcomings in the health sector. Many hospitals did not have ICUs, there was not enough oxygen, and doctors had limited protective equipment. Although the government tried to deal with the crisis, it was not possible to overcome the long-standing mismanagement deficit in an instant. We must learn from the experience of this pandemic and reorganize the health sector now. Urgent steps must be taken now to ensure that we are prepared for any future pandemic.

Limited. Although the government tried to deal with that crisis, it was not possible to overcome the long-standing mismanagement deficit in an instant. We need to learn from the experience of this pandemic and reorganize the health sector now. Urgent steps must be taken now to ensure that we are prepared for any future pandemic. The Corona period was a long mental test. Isolation of family members, unemployment, financial uncertainty, and fear of death make people mentally devastated. Many have become depressed, and suicides have also increased. Violence has also occurred in many families. This experience has reminded us that it is important to protect not only physical but also mental health. Mental health care must be part of the plan for any future disaster.

During the Corona pandemic, we have seen some inhumane behavior, but we have also seen many humane examples. Some have given food to the helpless, some have provided free treatment, and some have risked their own lives to save others. Such volunteers are a symbol of our hope. This kind of social responsibility can play a big role during any pandemic.

World health experts say that pandemics like Corona may come in the future. We do not know what the disease will be, where it will come from, or how dangerous it will be. But if we learn from the experience of Corona, we will be more prepared and confident in any future crisis. The main foundation of this preparation must be awareness. An aware citizen means a responsible citizen. And only responsible citizens can keep a society, a state, and a nation safe.

The coronavirus has brought about a major change in our lives. This change has been sometimes terrifying, sometimes instructive. But this crisis has taught us that not panic, but science, information, and human values can save us.

So from now on, let our slogan be "Not panic, but awareness. Not rumors, but truth and compassion." Only an aware nation can successfully deal with any disaster.

The writer is journalist and columnist.He can be reached at email - info.og@aol.com