The fear of Covid-19 subsides leaving lasting impacts on life

WITH the vaccination campaign gathering pace, the fear of the dreadful killer Covid-19 has started subsiding. Lockdown has been lifted, economic activities have returned almost to the pre-pandemic levels and health emergency alerts have been lowered. The government is all set to open educational institutions by the end of this month. Bangladesh intensifies efforts the fight against the pandemic to return to the pre-pandemic way of life. The war on the pandemic however is expected to change the modes of communication, education, livelihood and the economy. We must embrace the new normal and adapt to the changes.
Limited testing facilities, an acute crisis of personal protective gears and a lack of know-how to treat Covid patients made the situation worrisome in the early days. Corruption in the procurement of medical equipment, fake Covid certificates plus poor enforcement of quarantine and lockdown made things even more complicated. The government over time brought the situation under control by increasing testing facilities, Covid-dedicated hospitals and formulating guidelines on treatment. When many countries are struggling to collect Covid vaccines, Bangladesh has secured vaccine doses for its people.
During the nationwide lockdown, millions lost jobs, the poverty rate doubled to 42 percent from 20.5 percent and many businesses closed. The income of the vast majority of the population shrank. Exports — garment in particular — hit rock bottom as the importing countries themselves were finding it difficult to keep their economies afloat. The country fared well on the economic front with remittance inflow remaining robust and the ever-dependable farmers keeping the food chain steady throughout last year.
The government has so far rolled out 23 bailout packages worth Tk 124,053 crore to absorb the economic shock of the pandemic. Economists have said the country has done well in handling the pandemic on the macroeconomic front, but a lot has to be done to revive the micro-economy. The change that the pandemic brought to our life would have a lasting impact and we have to keep up the health and hygiene practices like wearing face masks, hand sanitising, social distancing, distance learning and digital transactions.