Is it okay to not be okay? - The Omicron times opinion divide

UTRECHT: The Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is making its omnipresence felt across all parts of the globe, now with an even more renewed and lethal force of its sub-variant BA.2 being experienced in parts of Europe and Asia.

In the meanwhile, barring the African continent, a number of countries are in the 'booster' phase of vaccinating its public, some nations even tightening 'vaccine mandates' and rules regarding the boosters.

Despite being equipped with booster protection and the now relaxed living and travel rules of Governments, global humanity are seriously mulling over tricky COVID times life style options and choices, as simple as, on whether or not to board an airplane, dine indoors, go shopping in a crowded mall, watch a movie in a theatre set up or allow children back to physical classroom schooling at full strength to name a few.

One stumbling block before they enter a 'bring-it-on phase' and make the above choices effortlessly is the ever reminding fear over having a super spreading virus variant still on the loose and unfortunately with no signs of slowing down currently.

While the debate rages on, on whether the symptoms concerning Omicron are mild or not, it's the public assumptions which have become a deciding factor in determining the majority between risk takers and the risk averse.

To quote my own family's personal example concerning the recent holiday season, we were supposed to travel to the United States (US) from the Netherlands for Christmas and New Year. Just a few hours before the departure time, the airline cancelled the flight over Omicron concerns and logistics, only to offer us a re-routed ticket with an extra stoppage.

Is it worth travelling to a ten hour direct flight destination with two additional stoppages during Omicron times? That was the big question for which we needed an answer to, in such short notice. I have no doubt that thousands of holiday travellers around at that time, either had their holiday ruined or took the bold initiative of going ahead with their risky re-routed plans.

On the other hand, the Governments are walking a tight rope of balancing between expert medical advice on the pandemic and section of public sentiments on freedom over fear.

Often the choices to be made during these risky times are left to the wisdom of the public. For example, one cannot make a beeline for eating out at indoor restaurants (like in the pre-COVID times) just because a Government has re-opened up the hospitality sector.

The impact of another significant aspect concerning Omicron times are the diverse policies of different Governments fighting the same virus and variants.

While it is perfectly acceptable that each Government formulates its own pandemic regulations based on its impact in their land, for frequent travellers or for people who divide their time between two countries, it all about re-adjusting or sometimes even getting adversely affected. For example, if you have taken your first to doses of Pfizer vaccine in the US and then relocated to India, you cannot take a Covishield or Covaxin booster there, as mix and match vaccine policy is currently not in vogue in India.

Another classic case is the recent unfortunate vaccination saga between tennis ace Novak Djokovic and the Australian Government over his participation in the Australian Open tennis Grand Slam-2022.

Leaving aside the merit or the lack of it, of his unvaccinated status, probably he may have been accepted to play at another Grand Slam or any other tennis tournament happening in another country based on the COVID rules and relaxations pertaining to that nation.

There are also some nations prescribing cautionary advices for people stepping out, like for example getting a self COVID test done at home before mingling among gatherings, but there is no force or authority to check the same. Its left to the conscious and wisdom of the individual to adhere to societal norms of the day.

Until such time the world has a firm grip over the virus, if not eradicate it totally in the near future, the ideal global citizen has a role to play, some choices to make and to take responsibility towards his or her family. However frustrating it may sound, 'patience' still is the 'key' for humanity.

(Indian quiz master Phanindra Ivatury, who now resides in Utrecht in the Netherlands, shares with Bernama the global opinion divide during Omicron times)

-- BERNAMA