The Corona virus has hit everyone’s lives over recent weeks, bringing a whole new reality for many of us.
It has brought out the best aspects of human nature and some of the worst.
On the plus side has been the fantastic way that people have come together in the community to support each other.
The setting up of Whatsapp groups, leaflet drops across the area so that everyone can remain connected. If one person gets in trouble the help is there from others in the community. The networks will prove invaluable as the pressures grow - connectivity is vital.
The heroic efforts of NHS staff, shop workers and people in the public services generally to rise to the challenge that this epidemic represents, deserve special mention. They are all going way beyond what can be reasonably expected and we all owe them a huge debt.
On the minus side has been the panic buying in the shops. People have been reassured that if we all stay calm, then the supermarkets will keep the supplies coming. But this does not seem to register with some people, who take a first come, first grab everything in sight approach. This is the exact opposite sentiment to those coming together in community to combat the Corona crisis.
Ilford North Labour MP Wes Streeting rightly called out some local shops who were reportedly buying up goods from the supermarkets, then putting them on sale in their own premises at double the price. He has rightly said he will name and shame such individuals if the practice continues. These practices can also be reported to the Competition and Markets Authority.
Redbridge Council has also instructed enforcement officers to look into these practices.
The media have much to answer for in helping to create the panic buying in the shops. The Corona virus story has been told as a doomsday tale to take up the whole of 24 hour news schedules. Despite the level of deaths due to the virus being relatively low in this country, reports tend to begin with the latest death toll. The number tested, the overwhelming number found to be negative receive less profile. And rarely do we hear of people recovering which the vast majority do. It represents a false picture, which may sell papers but is not to the common good.
We will all learn a lot about ourselves and each other during this crisis – some good, some bad. But hopefully, the positive things like looking out for our neighbours and coming together in community will stay with us. Not just a return to things as they were, treating it all as a long bad dream. There are lessons to be learned that can result in our becoming a more caring connected society, that values people over things, as a result of this crisis.
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