Coronavirus Reopening

15th May 2020 gecko

Coronavirus reopening for businesses in Cyprus and what life might look like for the rest of 2020 and into 2021

Frankly, the results are inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of the near worldwide lockdown longterm. An eminent Epidemiologist Johan Giesecke believes that “everyone will be exposed to the virus eventually”. And, a coronavirus reopening worldwide may be the catalyst.

At first, that is a frightening thought based on the current mortality rate published by WHO and others. Only when the number of infections increases will we get a clearer picture.

Sweden’s permissive lockdown was granted because they expected the population to understand the measures. They have and continue to do so. And, while they have a relatively high number of deaths per capita, the number of mild infections recorded is near 99% of the total number of cases. In some instances; people found to have coronavirus antibodies didn’t even know they had been infected. Dr Gieseck believes the empirical data restricts the mortality rate to nearer 0.1% – a level he describes as severe influenza.

The highest number of deaths per 1 million/population

  1. San Marino [1,209, Pop. 33,922]
  2. Belgium [769, Pop. 11,583,189]
  3. Andorra [634, Pop. 77,249]
  4. Spain [584, Pop. 46,752,506]
  5. Italy [519, Pop. 60,472,892]
  6. UK [495, Pop. 67,840,351]
  7. France [420, Pop. 65,255,252]
  8. Sweden [350, Pop. 10,091,169]
  9. Sint Maarten [350, Pop. 42,812]
  10. The Netherlands [326, Pop. 17,130,079]

————-
70. Cyprus [14, Pop. 1,206,224]

As of 15th May 2020

It is a positive sign for the reopening of Cyprus following a strict lockdown. 

The biggest fear now, which is also a concern in New Zealand and Australia is how to manage the reopening. For health, and for commerce. Around 25% of people worldwide are now jobless, the risks associated with a coronavirus reopening may, therefore, be seen as acceptable. Indeed, we cannot remain locked-down forever. 

As businesses reopen and we patronise their shops and offices once more, we must all take sensible precautions to avoid a rapid rise in cases. We will inevitably be living alongside coronavirus for a long time yet – certainly until this time next year based on vaccine manufacturers assessments.

Things are going to be very different, so what can we do for ourselves during the coronavirus reopening?

We can avoid prolonged contact and conversations with people indoors. Avoid touching our faces and surfaces. If you can, open doors to restaurants and shops with your elbow. Wash your hands regularly. Obviously don’t cough or sneeze in the vicinity of other people and preferably do so into a tissue. Remember to rewash your hands 🙂

Wearing a mask is likely to be prudent but avoid fingering it endlessly or pulling it down off your nose.

Otherwise, what’s the point of wearing it in the first place? As we’ve all heard. Wearing gloves for hours isn’t a magic barrier that will keep you and other people safe from infection. What is the difference between a waiter who washes their hands each time they serve food; or one who has been wearing gloves for the past 4 hours? Answer: I’ll go with the gloveless one.

Most companies, in particular, retail businesses have already implemented measures to protect both staff and customers during the coronavirus reopening. A devout commitment to cleanliness is going to be necessary now, and for a long time into the future. Who wants to be the first retailer that has several cases recorded due to a failure to adhere to this new regime?

Don’t forget to give businesses the benefit of the doubt. You don’t have to start recording them on your smart phone, or calling 1460 because you see a minor infringement. Talk to them first, before you talk to the authorities.

The little things are quickly forgotten. 

If you hear someone sneeze inside a small shop, don’t go in for 5 minutes.

Give the minuscule droplets time to fall to the floor. Likewise, avoid using public lavatories if you can. If you’re outside running or cycling (or sneezing) you are expelling air and tiny droplets at a faster rate than someone taking a walk. Stay downwind of the people you pass. It will make them feel better and if you are infected but do not know it, they will be safer too. Carry a small bottle of hand sanitiser or wipes. Consider wiping down all the condiments and cutlery when at a restaurant. Or take your own cutlery.

Lastly, don’t be embarrassed to take these extraordinary measures. After all, none of us wants to get sick. Not least because we have no idea if we will be in the 99%.

Happy Coronavirus Reopening everyone!

WHO Guidelines for Coronavirus Reopening of businesses

More information at WHO.INT Website.

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