We have paid a steep price to get Sars-CoV-2 infection rates down to a manageable level. We could jeopardize everything we’ve achieved if we don’t continue to act responsibly, says Fabian Schmidt.
Countries like China, South Korea, New Zealand and many EU member states swiftly imposed strict lockdown measures and traced infection chains to contain the coronavirus outbreak. This decisive action proved largely successful. Infection rates gradually slowed to a manageable level. These determined steps have spared many health care systems from total collapse. And have allowed many economies to slowly get back on track, despite initial setbacks.
Yet this return to normalcy should not lull us into a false sense of security. We must remain careful. The coronavirus pandemic is far from over. Indeed, the global infection rate continues to rise exponentially, meaning that every day, more and more people continue to contract the virus. The pandemic is now more dangerous than ever before. The virus has hit countries with poor health care system hardest. And particularly countries where many impoverished people live in close proximity to one another. It has also struck those countries where leaders have prioritized economic health over that of their citizens and refuse to impose stringent measures to curb the outbreak.
Countries like the US, Brazil, India, Russia, South Africa and Mexico are still seeing infection rates soar. They are, in other words, still in the midst of the first infection wave. Many other countries that have seen their infection curves flatten, however, now fear a second wave may be looming. Several EU member states are already reporting a new spike in infections. Concerned over a possible second wave of coronavirus, Amsterdam is requesting that tourists not visit the Dutch capital on weekends. Potential day-trippers should come between Monday and Thursday, the city said on July 23. The tourist influx has swelled to such a degree that recommended social distancing of 1.5 meters between people is currently not possible in the city center.
A second wave of infections is very likely. While we will be unable to stop it, we now know how to slow it down. This will only be possible if everyone acts responsibly by foregoing large gatherings, avoiding parties and other public events. This also means going on holiday only with your nearest and dearest. Those who can’t wait to let their hair down, mingle and rub shoulders with others are acting selfishly. For their sake, and our own, we must continue to take the coronavirus seriously. The recent lifting of restrictions does not give us the right to act recklessly.
Source: DW
Global site 
Finnish site