We know the rules, stay home! Practice social distancing, wash your hands frequently for at least 20 seconds. Articles write about vaccines being developed but it is noted it may take months to have them ready for use by humans. That requires countries and communities to seek methods to stop the spread of the virus and to deal with the social results occurring from methods used to stop the virus. Borders have closed. Governments are trying to control the spread of the virus. Health care providers are trying their best to meet the needs of patients, often risking their safety. The social messages from friends and relatives, “Stay Safe.” Coronavirus can be a killer.
In many countries, we are asking the health care system for more that they have the capacity to do. Yet the system is responding by working together, by collaborating to deal with the problem. Communities are sharing limited resources, staff, and supplies.
When responding to the Pandemic of COVID 19, several articles and interactive meetings are being organized. Peacekeeping, collaboration, and mediation groups are reaching out to communities. Unesco has provided useful online resources about responses to COVID 19. Mediators and peace-building organizations are creating groups to provide methods to deal with problems arising as a result of the illness and the effects it is having on society. I have had the good fortune to be able to participate in town hall meetings with Mediators Beyond Borders International that is providing ideas and reflections on how people can reach out to mediators and peace-builders during this time.
An approach I wish to share with you is set out in a video by an expert in the area of collaboration. The creator of the YouTube video, David Savage, has provided authority to share his video with World Mediation Organization members. The video, Global Medical Collaboration provides a method by which medical people from different countries can share information about dealing with the virus and searching for medical solutions. David is the author of the book, Break Through to Yes, Unlocking the Possible within a Culture of Collaboration and an expert in using collaboration to address difficult situations.
People are moving forward with programs to work together to share information and methods of dealing with the isolation that results from the lock-downs. It is being made clear that social distancing does not mean social isolation. The World Health Organization has published information on the issue which gives a positive message to those experiencing the lock-downs and the social distancing required to stop the spread of COVID 19. Recent news is that France has devoted resources to helping people deal with abusive situations which have increased with lock-downs in the country. Thus, the virus has more than one effect that must be addressed. One problem which is occurring is the mental health toll on young people and the elderly as set out in the World Health Organization article. Another is the roller coaster ride the economy is experiencing.
From this short review, it is apparent that the COVID 19 virus which started approximately three months ago, is going to be with the global community for more time . Global communities are working together to address the health, social and economic issues. The air is cleaner as a result of the pandemic but to rebuild a better society that recognizes biodiversity is the challenge we face. A recent article in Science and Business, Science in Overdrive, shows that the scientific community is using collaboration to work toward methods to combat COVID 19. We must now be patient and work toward addressing world challenges by working together as a global community.
STAY SAFE!
Note from the author on April 4, 2020: When reviewing the World Health Organization site, it provides ongoing updates. It was made clear, as of 10/04/2020, that countries should not move too quickly to lessen restrictions as there is a risk of a resurgence of the COVID 19 outbreak should they do so.
Photo Credit
Image by Pete Linforth from Pixabay
Guest Author Bio
Charalee Graydon
Charalee Graydon was born in Alberta, Canada. She is a writer, journalist, academic and past lawyer. She works in the areas mediation and collaboration and is currently a faculty member at EUCLID University.
Charalee holds degrees in Bachelor of Arts in English and Political Science, and a Juris Doctorate in Law. Following receipt of a Rhodes scholarship in 1982, she pursued legal studies in Oxford, England where she obtained a B.C. L degree. She held academic positions in England, New Zealand, and Canada and is presently a faculty member at Euclid University. She practiced law in Canada.
She has published three books of literary fiction and one of which has been translated and published in Spanish.
She developed programs for students, judges, and the corporations on legal issues and published academic works in environmental law, sentencing and commercial law.
Blog / Website: Charaleeg.com
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