Corona Virus is a Monster in this 21st century.

It started on December 31, 2019, when Wuhan Municipal Health Commission China, reported a cluster of cases of pneumonia in Wuhan, Hubei province. A novel coronavirus was even ultimately identified, not even a year yet since the first case of COVID-19 was found in this world but this virus already infected 9,64 billion people. To prevent the spread of its virus the Indonesian government temporarily banned the airport for carrying passengers traveling in and out of the country, closing access through land and sea. But this effort only lasted for short time, March 2, 2020, a positive case of COVID-19 in Indonesia was first detected and in one month the pandemic has spread to 34 provinces, of course, slow detection causes the virus to spread rapidly. The government is not ready to deal with this virus, it can be seen from the passive performance of the government in handling it. If the government more quickly and decisively against the community, maybe the number of infected can be suppressed.

For months the people quarantine themselves and lived in fear, fear that the virus will spread and infect them or their loved ones. This pandemic stipulates the global health crisis of our time and the greatest challenges we have faced since world war two but COVID-19 is much more than a health crisis after the aftermath. This virus has spread to every continent rapidly and cases are rising daily until now. For instance, in Indonesia, it’s been almost four months since the first case of COVID-19 announced surprisingly tens of thousands of people have been infected and more than two thousand people have died. COVID-19 is a savage monster. Unlike in the general monster who has a picture as a huge and spooky figure this monster only measures 400-500 micrometers but played a role in the death of more than 500 thousand people.

This pandemic brings major changes to the system and order of life. Many businesses are just beginning to access the economic effects and the other sectors that also suffer losses. Few countries in the world are predicted to infiltrate the worst recession in decades. So, how does the recession affect us? For two quarters or twice quarterly in a row, the value of goods and service produced decreases caused by COVID-19. For those whose businesses are threatened with bankruptcy, inevitably have to terminate the employment relationship. Many people already or will lose their jobs and have difficulty finding new job opportunities and promotions. Scholars and graduates of schools looking for work for the first time may find it difficult to find it, it means the unemployment rate could more than double to 10% this time.

The government chose to implement a new or normal life order while still fighting the Coronavirus pandemic (COVID-19). The Indonesian economy was almost paralyzed by this pandemic. The cessation of social activity has made the wheels of the economy hampered. This condition cannot be allowed to continue because it will trigger a layoff storm. The nightmare must be prevented immediately, and no need to wait for the COVID-19 vaccine to be released. However many disagree with this contentions, the new normal is only effective and can be implemented if the government remains consistent in pandemic intervention through massive, aggressive testing, tracing and isolation. The existence and clarity of a comprehensive national and regional strategy in handling Covid-19 in Indonesia are important. Because, this will affect the position and role of new patterns in work, school, and other public services. On the other hand, if the application of new normal makes government intervention loosen up and not supported by strict rules, then the potential for the emergence of new clusters of Covid-19 might occur. The addition of cases of infection also has the potential to go back up and lead to the number of deaths.

This pandemic is not an easy business, the coronavirus, and the effects of the number of infected victims, the high mortality rate presentation, and the resulting consequences. There is no reason to underestimate the coronavirus, that’s why we have to follow all health protocols to reduce the spread of this virus. How long do we want to let the virus live with us?

Cr : Vira Afriani