When can we return to the streets? - EDITORIAL

The Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) has given enough indication that it might relax curfew procedures and reopen universities in early May. 
Given that we are just past the half-way mark in April and COVID-19 cases still being reported almost daily it seems a little too ambitious for the regime wanting to recommence academic activities and exploring the possibilities of resuming day-to-day economic activities. 
In a way the government’s thinking is to look at the possibility of relaxing curfew in keeping with how each province is coping with the pandemic. But to sport such a spunky attitude only suggests the regime is sure that those who can spread the virus are quarantined and those who are not quarantined now carry no threat of spreading 
the virus.  

Now that break from work and being isolated at homes are making breadwinners of each household rather restless. This could be one reason why the regime decided to pay a single payment of Rs 5000 to farmers registered under the insurance scheme, kidney patients, disabled persons, senior citizens, low income families and many otherpersons falling under various categories. 
Several stories are being aired on whether we’ve seen the end of the worst period associated with the pandemic. But all radio channels and television stations continue to warn us to brace for the worst period of the virus. The Government too doesn’t want the people to put their guard down and continue to be strict with curfew guidelines and quarantine procedures. 

All in all the security forces being roped in to face this health crisis has resulted in a mission being nearly accomplished. Sri Lanka is one of the least effected countries by the COVID-19 pandemic which has even crippled a superpower like America. 
The Government has overall done well in handling most matters connected with fighting the virus. However, there are complaints about relief measures not reaching some areas. Despite vegetables rotting in cultivated areas the little produce that reaches most provinces are sold at sky-high prices. 
There are some in social media who have popped the question whether President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his team of security officials should be allowed to continue administrating the country. Such thoughts are harboured given the success of the present regime in handling a global challenge like COVID-19 and keeping the death total at as low as seven. 

The regime is now not talking much about expected elections unlike in the past. It can take a cue from South Korea and go for elections if the need arises. But the President has said that elections would not be held till the pandemic is completely eliminated.  
Life will return to normalcy and our medical experts will see the back of this coronavirus which has haunted us since March this year. 
But before this pandemic vanishes it will have taught us many lessons. We’ve learned to survive with lot less, love and respect everyone else and most importantly maintain social distancing. If Sri Lanka learned an invaluable lesson it is to honour private space. It seems we’ll continue to maintain that space between individuals and put a stop to someone standing annoyingly close behind you that you even hear and feel that person’s sound 
of breath. 

When this pandemic vanishes and people are allowed to return to the street we might see some individuals holding back and even eyeing others with suspicion. There definitely will be a psychological effect on all of us which would last for some time. 
And like with the war that ended in 2009 we can say the same thing regarding COVID-19; only the survivors will be the winners!