I would have never imagined that one day I would write a piece in my weekly column about a plague that would be so potentially threatening and have an adverse effect on most of the known world.
There is perhaps no sector of our culture that is not being touched in a negative way by the coronavirus, to some degree.
Not since the horrendous event that took place on September 11, 2001, has anything had the effect on the world and our nation as this plague.
The coronavirus scare has far surpassed that ill-fated event, due to how it has caused the fall of the stock market, the cancelling of both professional and collegiate athletic events, the closing of schools, the curtailing of public transportation (like airlines, trains, subways, and buses), and much more.
Regrettably, though we are located in a seemingly out of the way small southern town, we are not isolated nor immune from the threat of the coronavirus ultimately hitting our locale.
Due to the fact that people are traveling to and from our area who have interacted with people in other areas, it stands to reason that at some point and time the virus will arrive in Dillon County.
At this pre-coronavirus state, the most effective way to battle the plague is not to panic, but to prepare.
The most debilitating effect of any potential crisis like we are facing is the panic and scare factor.
If we can manage to overcome and contain the effect on those that lead to panic buying and hoarding, there will be an ample supply of items and supplies (like hand sanitizers, toilet paper, bread, and other necessities) to go around.
This is important because it will eliminate the selfishness and hoarding that could possibly deplete the necessary items for those who will truly need them. In a realistic way, this coronavirus crisis is like preparing for war, like our nation did during World War II.
If we are going to truly and effectively deal with this virus, it must be done both individually and collectively. It is going to take a collective and serious effort on the behalf of everyone in the community, the church, the workplace, and everywhere where people gather and interact.
Each of us must take continual precautionary measures at home by washing our hands for at least twenty seconds with soap, when there is a need.
Furthermore, we must use a covering for our mouths (like a handkerchief, napkin, or piece of paper towel) when we sneeze to keep the virus from potentially going airborne.
If none of these are available when we sneeze or cough, we must use our upper arm, not our hands.
In situations where we must gather, we should stand from three to six feet apart when we talk or involve in conversations.
Also, let’s replace handshakes with elbow to elbow greetings until this crisis is over. I am not advocating social isolation like they are having to do in China and Italy to curtail and control the spread of the coronavirus, but social or physical distancing when we gather. I believe that if we prove to be disciplined in these very practical and precautionary steps, we will both control and conquer this pandemic that has severely and adversely affected our lives already. There is far too much at stake to ignore and fail to prepare for what has already proven to be the greatest interruption in our lives and the nation since World War II. This plague is like a wild forest fire that if ignored will only continue to spread, consume and destroy trees, wildlife, personal property, and even human life. Only in this case, the carnage will be in human lives in the tens of thousands or perhaps millions, if nothing is done to curtail and contain it. Due to initial negligence from the present administration in the White House and his disbanding of the pandemic agency started by President Obama that came into existence after the Ebola disease crisis, we were caught ill-equipped and unprepared for this pandemic. To make matters worse, by our Commander-in-Chief downplaying and delaying giving this pandemic the immediate attention it warranted as China and South Korea did when it was discovered in regions of their countries respectively, we lost the window of opportunity to get on top of it immediately and must play a desperate game of catch-up. However, to allay the apprehension of many about the coronavirus and the delayed effort of our Federal government to deal with it, America has almost always been late to get involved in serious battles as we did in both World Wars. Nevertheless, once we get involved as a nation against any foe, both foreign and domestic, we are an unbeatable opponent. I am confident that with God’s help, we shall survive and subdue this pandemic. I am going to close with a very appropriate passage of Scripture that gives us an assurance of Divine intervention, if believers and Christians seriously pray and seek the Lord for His help against this plague:
“And the Lord appeared to Solomon by night, and said unto him, I have heard thy prayer, and have chosen this place to myself for a house of sacrifice. If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people; If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land” (2 Chronicles 7:12-14).