An amateur at, well, life. I’m no economist, politician, doctor, or journalist, but what I can identify is how the Corona Virus has affected me, those around me, and the attitudes that have stemmed from all levels of society in the past few weeks.

To be fair to Boris, action is seemingly being taken now. With schools closing from tomorrow and exams being cancelled, (more on that when the relevant information is issued) there’s been a turn-around from the initial lack of action. I found myself outraged at the beginning of this week. The attitude seemed to be one of complete laissez-faire, and I suppose it’s public opinion that has begun to change such lack of resolve.

The UK stood-out amongst the rest of the Western world. With school closures happening in quick succession and lockdowns being reported left and right, why were we left watching as our Prime Minister effectively did nothing? To me- and my amateur status- it has seemed rather simple. Advise, but don’t enforce. Any symptoms and we are to social-distance for 7 days. Cases rise and we are told to stay out of bars, pubs, and restaurants. Simple, and completely ineffective. Advising means no insurance pay-offs for businesses, and leaving social-distancing up to the people means individual responsibility. Thus is the impression of profit before people. We have heard it a thousand times over that yes, it’s sad, but it’s just the elderly, but there are multiple layers to that. Firstly, no it isn’t! Obviously there are those that are particularly vulnerable to the Corona Virus, and the elderly are at a higher risk, but to write it off as ‘them’ and not ‘us’ has been very dangerous- ageism shines through here. Others fall under this vulnerable category too, and I’m glad that there has been more recognition of that.

But it is not so easy for the vulnerable to stay protected, especially when capitalism doesn’t allow for it.

Staying off work sounds reasonable, more and more of us are adopting a social-distancing/self-isiolating stance after all, but what ignorance must one possess to believe that everyone has the ability to just not work? Sick pay doesn’t exist for all, empathy of higher-ups doesn’t exist for all, and I’ve seen this recognised by more and more people over the past couple of weeks even if they don’t realise where their criticisms truly lie. As always, the poorest amongst us are hit the hardest. Stock-piling everything in sight demonstrates this too. Whilst others are taking everything they can, others can’t afford to, and they are left with nothing by the time they can go to the shops. It scares me to think about those in need, especially as the prospect of lock-down looms. To engage in such behaviour is detrimental. I hope that everyone can take a moment to consider those in need.

Where I live, neighbours have sent flyers around to put forth help in any way possible, and that denotes the next element of this pandemic: social solidarity. Durkheim, I’m thinking of you. Coming together to help the vulnerable whilst our government does near to nothing is a comfort at least. Please, let’s continue to extend that hand as times get harder! For all the division here, the blatant xenophobia from many, (I believe Mr. Trump recently referred to the Corona Virus as a “The Chinese virus”, or something along such lines) it is refreshing to see communities come together. We cannot just forget about the xenophobia in all of this though, it is disgusting and disheartening to see hate crimes rise and engrained attitudes worsen. Just as we’re willing to look after the elderly, we must look after those vulnerable to racial prejudice too. Wuhan has reported no further cases whilst they rise and rise here in the UK, and yet so many will still see it as Trump does.

A post-Corona world is interesting to think about. As we rely on the brave NHS workers now, will we see less cuts to NHS expenditure? Will we realise how important it is to prioritise our services for all? Where will the climate crisis come into this, as the waters in Venice are beginning to clear, and the cut in pollution levels truly illustrates the effects of humanity? I hope there’s change in many ways. I really, really, hope.

There is, of course, so much to say, but we must take further action- fast. Protect workers, protect the vulnerable, and listen to what the rest of the world has to say, Prime Minister.

Stay safe X