The whole world stands and quakes in fear. In fear of a virus called Covid-19. This is not only an immensely contagious virus, but it can also be deadly. Therefore, all steps must be taken to prevent infection. We have to watch vigilantly because every human being alive is a potential carrier. Measures are mandated by law to limit contact. Public health orders restrict gatherings at private residences and allows critical retailers to only sell essential items.
Hospitals are locked down so tight it’s impossible to go see a loved one, unless death is holding that loved one by one hand, and then, maybe access is granted, or maybe not.
Old people are especially vulnerable, therefore Assisted Living Centers and Old Folks housing is locked down, effectively keeping the loneliest lonely.
People are strongly urged to stay locked in their homes, and must let in no one, not even known and trusted contacts like relatives and friends. This will protect them against possible infection. Neighbours peeking out from behind curtains are called to call out rule-breaking neighbours, thereby slowing the spread. Monetary fines will be handed out, and already have.
Grocery and daily needs shopping is preferred to be done online, or by store drive-by pickup, effectively limiting dreaded human contact. For the braver souls who wish to get out of the confines of their home to shop it is possible, but only essential stores are open, and only for deemed essentials as defined by the government.
Personal protective equipment such as masks or face-shields are mandatory as is the disinfecting of hands as you walk through the doors of a store, bottles of germ killer are waiting on a table.
Direction of travel is loudly and clearly marked on the floor to prevent possible passing persons along the aisles. One way traffic only, the way you came in is not the way you go out. Different doors for different directions. Limits such as human density per square footage of store is strictly enforced. Store workers armed with disinfectants are instructed to spray surfaces touched by human hands. Product handling is on an agreed upon ‘you touch, you buy’.
In case you travel up the wrong aisle or have your mask inadvertently slip, you will be almost instantly reprimanded by your vigilant on-guard and concerned shopper neighbour. No slips-ups are overlooked, however slight. This is one bad virus and we must be held accountable. We are all in this together and it’s only if we all work together that we will exterminate this evil. To help with this extermination, information is vital and at our fingertips. Statistics and Big Data is our friend, keeping us on the leading edge of knowledge on this flu, especially the number of new daily infections and death tallies. We also wait breathlessly for the latest insights provided by leading doctors and specialists in their field.
Strict restrictions restrict the number of people allowed at gatherings such as weddings and funerals, be they conducted inside or outside. Football stadiums stand empty except for the players on the field and the cameras recording them. So are Basketball courts and Hockey Arenas. But to feed the hungry souls, the games must go on.
Non-essential services are outright banned such as hair salons and barbers. Gambling casinos and churches are treated alike, with ‘Closed’ signs hanging on their respective doors.
But all is not lost, there is hope. Hope that in some laboratory somewhere an anti-viral vaccine will be born that will cure us of this threat. A threat that has shut the world down tighter than at any time in history. The hope will be that this vaccine will be safe, and that it will not only protect us now, but make us immune forever. We rely on this vaccine to not only save us, but also our future generations, and on this cure we hope and pray.
But wait, we are not in the clear, because there’s word of another virus on the loose. A virus schemed up back in the dawn of ages by the most evil schemer of all. This extremely contagious and all-encompassing evil virus knows no boundaries and is by far the deadliest ever recorded. It will infect all, and kill all, with a kill ratio of 100%. It carries a death sentence to not only your body, but your soul as well.
But wait, for this virus exists a cure! This anti-dote was by no means cheap or easy to make, as it required the very life blood of the Provider. He laid down his life that you may live. This story starts on Christmas Day in Bethlehem.
