How many times have you heard someone say “when all this is over….” and then go on to say how things need to change? I certainly have and I hope you have as well, whoever you are. You might be one of my friends reading this (thanks guys!) or perhaps a stranger dropping in from the other side of the world.
Here “when all this is over” naturally refers to the Coronavirus, COVID-19.
I have a million thoughts wizzing around in my mind on this. Just a few of them:
The way we are governed
Normally the UK has a deliberately slow, measured approach to things and never known for hasty, knee-jerk reactions.
This, in normal times, is good and has stood the test of time. It allows for healthy scrutiny, different arguments to be weighed up and some wisdom to prevail.
However with COVID-19 we have been caught out by this. Remember the times when people returning from China were simply given leaflets about what they should do if they felt unwell? Arguably that was too late, the virus was casually strolling in through the arrival gates in our airports. This was in late January when Mat Hancock, Health Secretary, was saying the risk to the UK public “was low”.
I am thinking quicker, more stringent measures were needed and we are paying the high price for that now.
Keeping things in perspective
Every year in the UK over 200,000 lives are needlessly lost and the law allows for this ‘lifestyle’ choice. I’m talking abortions here.
The Independent, amongst others, have reported on this. Lives are lost in many other avoidable ways around the world – waterborne diseases, poverty, war, suicide and many others.
We need to be more resilient
We see so much dependence on Just In Time trading and few people having savings of even three months living costs saved. Stocks of food and other resources (perhaps energy, water?) are also a little fragile.
How dependent on the state should we be?
This is a tricky question and it depends on who we are and what are circumstances are. In general I think it is right to be as independent as possible and the state should be there to be a reliable safety net. In these extraordinary times, I think the Government could simply give a £1,000 bonus to anyone on Universal Credit – everyone will find this useful and the Government will undoubtedly feel the benefit from that as people spend it – VAT, saved businesses etc. That would be a simple thing to do and, although expensive, it would ease many problems out there.
In our local communities
As neighbours, how we look out for each other has brought the best out in so many people. Let’s carry on with that, there’s no good in us going back to our old selfish, self centred way of living.
How we travel
Or rather how much we travel. Surely everyone knows how the environment is benefitting through less pollution these days. Travel has become so easy and yet I question whether we need so much. Do we really need soft fruit and flowers flown 10,000 miles to us at any time in the year?
Getting the balance right
The balance between businesses nationalised industries, international global industries through to the individual entrepreneur. Could our society do more to foster the enterprising spirit in our local communities? I think so.
International co-operation and collaboration
So why have we just pulled out of the EU? At least we still have the UN, NATO, WHO, IMF and other international institutions. Surely these institutions bring unity and support for the benefit of everyone?
Churches
I am thinking Christian churches need to be relevant for people who are genuinely asking questions and want to know more about the world and why God has allowed this Coronavirus to sweep across the world.
Some Christian churches report higher levels of people viewing online services and online talks from their own homes. This is a brilliant development and I understand how scary and off-putting churches can be, so this makes it easier for people to dip their toe in without any risk. Brilliant.
Wrapping up
I do hope we never return to the old “normal”.
I think the current crisis gripping the world has brought the best out in many people and local communities. And yet the Coronavirus is the serious, tragic spectre of modern life through the rapid infection around the world.
Whether we have a vaccine or whether it simply “runs its course” is something we do not know at this stage. Either way, Governments have been forced to sit up and deal with such a serious threat to civilisation.
Through all of the tragedies and grief, I do hope some good can emerge. Lessons will have to be learned, leaders will have to lead with care, wisdom, collaboratively and – please – some humility.