COVID-19 Pandemic 2020 Part 2

April 02, 2020 / Roger Edwards

It’s been one and a half weeks since my last entry regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic 2020. As I’m sure you’re all aware, a lot has happened globally in that time and many nations are currently coming to terms with the ramifications of dealing with this virus in their own “bespoke” way. Personally I think a global approach to the problem would be beneficial but the rise of nationalism and a diminishing of worldwide institutions such as the United Nations has made such a strategy very difficult. I was going to summarise my thoughts on the UK’s response to this crisis but I have decided instead to defer such a post for another week and instead focus upon a more positive theme. Because something has happened recently in the UK. Something I was doubtful about because I’ve been so jaded by contemporary politics. And yet despite my cynicism, I have seen a demonstrable increase in community spirit, solidarity and compassion in the last few days. And it has been a thing of beauty to behold.

Since 2016, the UK has been beset by a malaise of partisan politics and cultural tribalism. We’ve seen an increase in hate crimes, the Brexit debate has caused families to fall out and not talk to each other and the UK has teetered on the brink of an irreversible culture war, just like the one that besets the US. Or to put it another way “Human sacrifice, dogs and cats living together, mass hysteria!” to quote Peter Venkman. But the current situation has suddenly pushed all of that to one side and suddenly we find ourselves confronted with a mass display of decency, civic mindedness and dare I say it, a sense of society. Something a infamous deceased Prime Minister claimed didn’t exist. Furthermore, the ongoing display of both common sense and public spiritedness raises questions as to whether there may even be a fundamental shift of perspective in the UK. Will certain jobs that have been branded low skilled and low paid and therefore bereft of any virtue (from certain quarters), suddenly be reappraised by a public who suddenly realise their inherent virtue?

We live in a world that is incredibly interconnected and based upon just in time supply chains and numerous complex dependencies. Yet modern life often focuses on the superficial and we are enamored by wealth, tabloids perception of success and by nonsensical political dogma. And then along comes a problem of a global nature and gives everyone a very swift reality check. Suddenly the denizens of the gossip columns aren’t so important. Reality show celebrities, sportsmen and women, as well as popular musicians suddenly don’t seem so relevant. And as for Hollywood actors singing an ill conceived cover version of John Lennon’s attack upon consumerism, well it’s all been shown in stark relief. Because suddenly we’ve focused upon those we depend upon. With regard to some professions, some of us have only just learned how necessary they are to the functioning of a well ordered society.

At present, an estimated 22% of all working-age individuals are in key worker occupations according to the IFS (Institute of Fiscal Studies). That is approximately 7.1 million working age adults across the UK, out of a total workforce of 32.90 million people, aged 16 years and over in current employment. So while over three quarters of the nation’s workers remain at home, just under a quarter continue to go to work, keeping vital services running. These range from the immediately obvious such as the healthcare workers, the police and other emergency services, to retail workers, the post office and local government. But when you think about it, the list continues to grow. Transport, freight and farming need to keep ticking over. And where there are people working, you need cleaners, caterers and security. The UK has an ageing population so this means a lot of vulnerable people need help at home. So the list then grows to include carers, charitable institutions and support groups. The bottom line is that without this very broad and diverse percentage of society, we’d all be up shit creek without a paddle, crying for our respective Mothers.

On average, a newly qualified nurse can expect to earn around £23,000 a year

What makes this reversal in opinion or epiphany if you’re feeling more charitable, so surprising is that it comes hard on the heels of a decade of tabloid hyperbole and negative briefing against many of these people and professions. The government recently released new immigration guidelines in which they set a financial value on peoples respective worth. Apparently earning under £25,000 was crassly designated “low skilled”, despite the fact that the UK average salary is only £36,000 which implies that a substantial amount of folk in this country are therefore “low skilled”, despite this including many people working in professions I’ve already mentioned. Too long we have extolled the virtues of industries that already have pots of cash and then make more pots of cash, as somehow being the summit of human achievement. I don’t believe that these folk will be able to offer any practical help when you need a respirator.

Tonight, I rather sheepishly went outside of my home, stood on the drive and clapped at 20:00 PM to show my support to all those currently working in healthcare. Us Brits don’t go in for making a fuss and I’m sure many people, like myself, would much prefer to write an upbeat letter to The Times. However, as more people emerged from their houses, waved, chatted and exuded sincerity, I suddenly felt quite emotional and part of something inherently good. Finally, there is something honest and dare I say righteous to get behind. Throughout the UK, young and old are putting themselves in harms way by going to work and just keeping the nation’s collective shit together. From what I’ve seen, many are doing this with a sense of pride and a smile on their face. Which is why we must continue to foster this positive civic minded feeling and ensure that those taking a calculated risk (because that is definitely what it is) feel respected and appreciated.

I went to the Pharmacist today to collect some outstanding medicine for my parents. I was greeted with a smile, and my enquiry speedily dealt with. I was also told that a controlled item would be dropped off later to my folk’s home address. Two hours later it was. I waved like a child greeting a train as the Pharmacist drove away. I can regale you with similar stories about the good natured staff who served me at my local supermarket. Many are in their teens and early twenties but they take all of what’s going on in their stride. And why not? Remember, young people have built nations if you know your history and Will Sampson quotes. So I ensured that I say thank you and offer genuinely supportive remarks to all I encounter. I was profoundly grateful to the hospital transport crew who brought my Mother home today after several weeks in respite care. I bellowed “cheers mate” to the courier who delivers vital supplies from Amazon. This list is ever growing and I urge everyone to be excellent to each other and spread this honest sentiment around.

The current state of affairs is unprecedented and many nations are having a crash course on what is important and what is not. The UK is certainly re-calibrating its opinions and preconceptions and I am delighted after years of scepticism to discover that we still seem to be a fundamentally decent nation. Not everyone is a card carrying member of the National Union of Assholes. People still volunteer, help others and care. Although this is a national crisis there is a great deal of scope to come together and become that tolerant and kindly country that we used to be. I hope we continue to do the right thing and maintain this positive mindset long after the problem that besets us goes away. We have collectively solved as a nation, more problems in the last month than we have in the last five years. The homeless have been found accommodation, the needy are being cared for and people are genuinely concerned for each other’s welfare, instead of bickering, and squabbling. Is it perfect? No. Is it a good start. Most definitely. Finally we’ve reminded ourselves that we can be a force for good and can live up to the values that all our dead heroes have extolled. Let’s not squander this moment.