https://www.postandcourier.com/opinion/letters_to_editor/letters-to-the-editor-coronavirus-pandemic-qualifies-as-great-catastrophe/article_7a64b4b4-9095-11ea-8688-af9e14eaf1cf.html
COVID-19 is not the apocalypse many religious people have been expecting, when God brings about the end of the world in a battle between the forces of good and evil. Nevertheless, we are having an apocalypse. The original Greek word means a revelation, an unveiling of what was previously hidden. It also means a great catastrophe. This pandemic certainly qualifies as such. It’s striking the difference between those who fantasize about a religious apocalypse from a position of comfort and safety, and those who are experiencing real danger and hardship.
Scientific evidence shows that the pandemic will eventually pass, in part because of the courageous work of our health care and service workers on the front lines, and those volunteering to help them. It will pass when we distance ourselves from each other long enough so we don’t get the virus and then infect others.It will take scientists in many countries sharing knowledge to create a vaccine.
In the meantime, we can improve our country with selected rent and mortgage suspensions, a stronger social safety net, paid sick leave for essential workers and more companies allowing employees to work from home.
We can extend kindness and donations as we are able to those less fortunate and emotional support when needed. In short, we should use common sense, compassion, cooperation and collaboration, all the best parts of civilization and rational thinking. That’s what it takes to overcome an apocalypse.
