I think quite possibly the most overused word of recent weeks is ‘unprecedented’.
In fact I’d go so far as to say that use of the word unprecedented is quite unprecedented – but it does, very succinctly, describe what Planet Earth has been going through in recent times.
As I write this comment, Boris Johnson has quite literally just returned to work after his bout of coronavirus just in time to become a father (again) at 55. Without coming over all spiritual and philosophical, it’s probably as good a time as any to reflect back and look forward.
Events of the past weeks have taught me that in the main, the human race is comprised of decent people. It’s been heartwarming how individuals have gone well beyond the call of duty to help people less fortunate than themselves. It’s been commendable how the nation has adhered to self-isolation and lockdown directives despite not being able to see friends, family and loved ones. I haven’t seen my youngest daughter since Christmas.
I did say ‘mainly’ decent people because the lockdown has also exposed the numpties in society even more – propelling them to new and unprecedented (sorry) levels of numptiness.
You know what I’m talking about here: the idiots that decide to celebrate uncle Bert’s 80th birthday by inviting six family generations round for a barbeque; the halfwits that manage to go down supermarket aisles the wrong way, despite huge arrows being marked out on the floor; and the inconsiderate imbeciles that flaunt the 2m rule by reaching right across you for a tin of beans in Tesco’s breathing all over you in the process. These people are on a mission. It’ll take more than a mere global pandemic to stop them.
But back to the positives. The NHS, emergency service workers, care workers and supermarket staff. Awesome.
And in the same vein, the manufacturing fraternity. Companies have worked round the clock making components for ventilators and other essential items of medical equipment. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: your efforts have saved lives and will continue to do so. We’ve highlighted some of those stories in this issue.
Maybe now the penny will drop and the Government will finally realise just how important manufacturing is to both the economy and the well-being of the country generally?
Looking forward, things will be different for some time. Said government is making noises about lifting some restrictions which is welcome news for business and the economy, but the virus hasn’t gone anywhere – it’s still here – and will be until an effective vaccine is developed. More than a year away unfortunately.
So degrees of social distancing will have to be maintained for the foreseeable. The absolute worst thing that could happen is a second wave.
Just makes you appreciate what we have and just how fragile things are doesn’t it?
