"Corona" Calls "Collaboration"

Today in India we are observing Janta curfew to enable a countrywide social distancing. The idea is to contain the deadly Corona Virus, as it spreads through human to human to contact. But the question is even if we are able to contain this problem in India (by enhancing social distancing) will this problem go away permanently? No, as this is only a temporary measure, and we cannot indefinitely shut our borders from countries that might not have the means and tools to contain this epidemic. Unfortunately, even a single infected person gets successful in penetrating our strong quarantine/monitoring mechanism - will force us to go through this whole process (social distancing) again. How many cycles of social distancing shall we implement? Can we sustain this process perpetually? By doing so will it not economically impact us all - even those who are not infected with the virus? Hence, our success in containing this epidemic depends upon the weakest link in the chain - i.e the ability of other nations, and especially those who do not have an effective mechanism in containing this epidemic. Thus Corona Pandemic Calls for World Wide Collaboration at an unprecedented scale. But will it be without challenges?

Sanction

Some severely infected countries like Iran are facing global sanctions. This makes their ability to contain this pandemic even more difficult. Iran shares borders with Iraq, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Some of these borders are porous - making these countries hugely at risk. Also, there is also a risk of cascading effects from these countries into their neighbor (like in India from Pakistan).

Vaccine

Though there are reports that vaccine for Corona is being tested, however, no one is sure how long will it take to get this ready. But even if it does, how long it will take to reach the global market? What will be the procurement and dissemination costs? - given that most of the world's population will not be able to afford it. Who will bear the costs for those countries who will not be able to afford it? More so when these vaccines might need to get updated periodically to manage any mutation in the virus that might happen.

Economic

Can we sustain perpetual social distancing? Especially those affecting economic activities- requiring on-site collaboration - factories, manufacturing units, etc. What will be its spillover impact on the overall economy?

Conclusion

Hence, it is clear that the issue emanating out of Corona will not evaporate easily. It will call for actions that are diagrammatically opposite to the burgeoning narrative of "Nationalism" - especially those which are in direct conflict - on economic exploitation, climate change, poverty, terrorism, pollution, religion, etc. Corona is a nature's way of reminding us that we don't own this planet, but share it with all - animals, plants and even with those who practice diverse narratives (directly in conflict with ours). In the end, it is imperative (and in our larger interest) that we collaborate with all to insure ourselves against such threats and to prosper and progress in this connected world.