Personal responsibility key in virus war

The novel coronavirus has delivered a fatal blow to the world economy, painting a clear picture that it will no longer be business as usual.

The situation has quickly transformed into anxiety and alarm from that of denial and wait-and-see. On Wednesday, US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melanie tested positive. Trump was hospitalised just 24 hours after his Covid-19 diagnosis, shocking even skeptics who all along derided the virus.

Covid-19 knows no bounds and the stark reality speaks for itself. UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin were, at different times, also stricken by the virus.

While the pandemic may be temporary, what should become permanent is the need for a sustained global guard against it. Despite reduced daily infections reported by the Health Ministry officials and counties, Kenyans shouldn’t lower their guard just yet.

And going by the current trends, the future will be tough in the wake yawning logistical challenges. We urge Kenyans to take personal responsibility for their health. It may no longer be entirely about the law.

Again, it’s time to seek extra measures to protect health workers and the vulnerable. It’s one thing to fully reopen the economy and another to ensure we all religiously adhere to Covid protocols.

This being a communal disease, and from experiences with SAARS and the Ebola crisis, the fight requires a concerted global action. The best we should do now is compare notes at all times with experts and other countries. We live in truly trying times that require vigilance, maximum global attention and action.