Since the detection of the COVID-19 epidemic in Wuhan in China, it has not only
taken center stage, but has generated an impact that is difficult to quantify
in most areas of human life. From everyday interpersonal relationships to
the global economy to major religious events, the shadow of the epidemic is
felt everywhere.
SARS-CoV-2 has demonstrated exceptional
transmission capacity and has rapidly infected people on all continents, more
than 110,000 positives, and more than 3,820 deaths. In Costa Rica, the number increased to 314 positive local cases and 2 deaths, according to data
provided by the Ministry of Health this Sunday.
The absence of effective vaccines or treatments
results in a strong feeling of lack of protection for humans. However,
health officials at all levels demand calm and warn that fear of the disease
itself may have more ill effects than the virus itself.
Perhaps the most immediate and notable change
for everyone has to do with precautions to minimize the risk of infection and
the latest measures are taken by the Executive Power such as the sanitary vehicle
restriction (on weekends from 8 pm to 5 am ). Of course, not all have
adopted them, but a large majority of Costa Ricans have followed it to lower
the incidence of the virus.
These measures are derived from the
recommendations made by the Ministry of Health. These are small changes in
customs that are as deeply embedded in our culture as the type of greeting
(previously greeted with a kiss, handshake, or hug) or even covering your elbow
with a sneeze instead of a hand.
A few days ago, the German Ministry of the interior left Chancellor Angela Merkel with her outstretched hand. During
a State visit by the Kings of Spain to President Macron in France, it was the same way. They did not shake hands but bowed. Similarly, several
viral videos have shown some original greetings developed by citizens of the
affected areas, such as the "Wuhan Shake," which is to salute.
Obviously, one of the main threats to the spread
of the virus is the crowd. As a result, numerous massive events were
canceled, postponed, or at least subject to strict security
measures. Sports competitions or concerts are some of the events affected,
but the effects go even further: like religious celebrations, which will have
to adapt to future risks.
Fear of infection has led many people in our
country to buy health products, especially gel alcohol and face masks. The
fever for these goods has reached such a level that their prices have increased
considerably and there has been a shortage in some supermarket chains and even
many of these have imposed restrictions on the number of items that can be purchased
per person.
However, the authorities insist: these items
must be used correctly and unnecessary purchases should be avoided. The most important thing is to constantly wash your hands with soap and water and
avoid touching your face, mouth, eyes, and nose, otherwise, you have washed your
hands frequently.
Another possible source of contagion in the
workplace, where human risk is compounded by economic damage from a massive
coronavirus outbreak can cause the workforce. This risk has caused many
companies or businesses to close by their own decision or some by sanitary
order. Those who continue to operate have dispensed alcohol gel until they
frequently remember the habits that prevent contagion. Some have
implemented teleworking for their collaborators. Perhaps this trend
persists: teleworking has become increasingly common in recent years, so it is
not surprising that pressure on the current situation becomes standard practice
(it is already the law of the Republic and our legislation allows it.
Until now, the virus has had an undeniable
impact on the global economy, putting companies, governments, and institutions
like the IMF on alert. Stock markets around the world have entered an
alarming dynamic that is difficult to break, and there have been troubling declines
in some of the world's leading stock indices. In Costa Roca it has meant
the total or temporary closure of many companies, thus the loss of jobs.
The effects of the virus can also be felt in the
industrial sector, whose production chain has been severely affected since the
first case appeared, which has led to an unprecedented shutdown of industrial
engines.
At the same time, oil prices have fallen (mainly
due to falling demand in the worst affected countries). Overall, the OECD
warned that the epidemic could halve the global growth forecast for this year
to 1.5%.
Perhaps one of the earliest and most notable
effects of the coronavirus outbreak was the discomfort it has caused many
travelers. Over time, these difficulties have multiplied and restrictive
isolation measures are used to protect the spread of the virus. Initially,
these inconveniences (mainly in the form of flight cancellations and entry
restrictions for certain countries) particularly affected citizens and
travelers around the world.
Consequently, government authorities have
recommended companies to cancel or postpone work trips and citizens as much as
possible to avoid traveling as long as possible.
The result is notable in tourist reservations,
practically empty in recent weeks, and with multiple cancellations. Many
hotels in the country have ceased their staff.
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