COVID 19 - THE SECOND WAVE

When COVID 19 first began spreading last year the government imposed a lockdown. People were forced to stay indoors unless they had some urgent work to do. So the contact between people was much less and this helped to reduce the spread of the virus. But the lockdown hurt the people too. Many workers from other states could not return to their homes because there was no transport facility. They were unemployed and far from home. They were running out of money and many decided to walk long distances to their homes. Some rode bicycles. Most shops were closed. Only some shops selling essential items and medicines were allowed to remain open. People had less money to buy stuff. The economy was badly hit.

Till recently the situation was improving and cases were coming down. When vaccines became available, people expected life to get back to normal soon.

Now a second wave has started. COVID 19 is back with a vengeance. The cases are rising rapidly. It could be due to the crowding of people at the campaign rallies during the recent state elections and the large gatherings at religious festivals. Only a small percentage of the population has been vaccinated. Even some of those who have been vaccinated have tested positive and had to be hospitalised. This is not surprising since none of the vaccines are 100% effective. Moreover newer variants of the virus have made an appearance. Some cities do not have sufficient facilities at the hospitals to cope with the situation. There is a shortage of hospital beds, oxygen cylinders etc.

It is difficult for the government to go for another countrywide lockdown since the economy is already in bad shape. Some cities have imposed a lockdown. We have a weekend lockdown in our state. So we don’t go out on Saturdays and Sundays. If the situation does not improve we may see another nationwide lockdown.

Recently a doctor on TV suggested that we need not wait for the government to impose a lockdown. He said we could have a self-imposed lockdown. We could stock up on essential stuff and remain at home till the situation improves. Go out only if absolutely necessary. It made sense but for those who need to work to make ends meet, it will be difficult.

 

N.B.  According to a mail I received from Google the ‘follow by email’ function will not work after July 2021.

 

EVERYBODY IS NICE

I had a one month training at a factory in Indore in North India for my first job. While there, I met a young man who came to the factory for a few days. He was tall and handsome. He spoke fluently. He was being considered for a sales position and was getting to know the products. He was also meeting the Boss to negotiate the terms of employment. So one day I asked him ‘How is the Boss? Is he a nice guy?’ He said ‘Everybody is nice, so long as you don’t come in the way of their interests.’

A few days later he told me he was leaving and that he would not be joining them. He looked happy. I think he had asked for a salary they were not willing to offer. It was against their interests to pay him that much. So he had come in the way of their interests.

COVID 19 & CRIME

When Covid 19 lead to the lockdown and restrictions early last year, I thought there could be an increase in the crime rate. Many people were beginning to lose their jobs. Even some of those working abroad were returning after having lost their jobs. It would be difficult for them to survive. There are more crime stories in the newspapers now but since the government does not release any information regarding the crime rate we do not know if it has really increased.  

Since masks are mandatory, everybody wears one and the police have had trouble identifying the criminals. Recently a masked man wearing a cap walked into a jewellery shop and started looking at some of the expensive jewellery. Suddenly he ran out of the shop with some of the jewellery. His friend was waiting outside on a motorcycle and they left together. Though the shop had a video of the incident the police could not identify the man since he was wearing a cap and a mask.

QUILON BEACH HOTEL

SAME SHIRT

I once had a boss who would wear the same shirt every day. He would wear a light blue shirt with thin white stripes. I thought he must have a few of them. One day I went with a friend to a place to collect his clothes. He had given them for ironing. People who did not want to iron their own clothes could get it done at such places. They charge a small amount for each piece. While waiting for my friend to collect his clothes, I noticed some shirts that were already ironed. They looked like the ones my boss wears. I asked the person running the facility about those shirts. He told me that it belonged to my boss. I counted the shirts. There were 14 shirts. All looked alike. I then realised my boss must have more than 14 of those shirts since he was still wearing them when these 14 were being ironed.

KOLLAM BEACH

EXERCISE

I don’t exercise regularly. I usually do it for a few months and then give up. Several months later I may start again. There are exercises that help to build Stamina, Strength and Flexibility. To build Stamina we can run or swim. To build Strength we can do push-ups, pull-ups or weight training. To increase flexibility we can do some stretching, bending or yoga. I try to do these three types of exercises. I usually run on the spot to avoid running outside. I do push-ups but not weight training since I want to avoid the use of equipment. I also do some stretching, bending or yoga. I feel better when I exercise. I wish I could continue doing it without interruption but it is difficult to stay motivated.