THE UNIVERSAL LAW OF IRONY

You know, sometimes I think that the Universal Law of Irony is largely underestimated. By knowing how principles of let's say for example Newton's laws became very practical after he “discovered” them, it will certainly help us understand more how this one affects our lives in the most unexpected ways.

All that expectation of a Third World War and apocalyptic speculations in the movies just made the Universe laugh. So what about an Invisible Enemy and countries occupied with fear one by one? Did anyone expect that? Definitely a Universe :”gotcha”.

So called in some media by his opponents as the “last dictator” of Europe, the president of Belarus, Alexander Lukashenko, appeared to be the most liberal in the way of fighting COVID-19. No lock-down, no limiting people’s rights to work, going to church, traveling whatsoever while many of the more politically leftwing countries became quite strict with their citizens. Despite all the criticism of his approach, the numbers strongly suggest his approach is winning this war.

Belarus saved the medical Semashko system inherited from the Soviet Union. Over the years, it has worked very well for them and is doing so now. Again, look at the numbers at Belarus recovery rate.

Why they so successful compared to countries with full lock-down? Why wouldn't it if this system allowed before to defeat epidemic compared to which the COVID virus with 98% of healing rate on worldscale is almost look innocent Perhaps this headline offers a glimpse. Check How The USSR Defeated A Smallpox Epidemic In A Matter Of 19 Days

Targeting the contacts at the early stages in that one was very important. According to the article, “From primary contacts, the search progressed to secondary contacts and so on, until the whole chain was established. People were taken off trains and airplanes that carried potentially infectious people were ordered to turn back mid-air.”

Turning that plane in mid-air definitely saved not only USSR but all of Europe. Contrast this almost surgical approach with the mass lockdowns Russia and much of the West is experiencing now.

In the aftermath of this pandemic, the efficiency of measures undertaken and experience of different countries will be closely examined and analyzed. I strongly sense that one solution will not fit all. But we can determine the basics of an effective campaign. As another example, look at Sweden. It is about the size of Belarus. The Scandinavians did not shut down the economy but relied instead on a good medial system and social distancing.

I found it interesting how blood plasma transfusions from recovered COVID-19 patients appeared as a universal remedy. The protocol helped during times of Spanish flu, Ebola and, previous SARS invasions. We’ve discovered a very useful tool that may make us less apprehensive about our ability to handle such medical crises in the future.

I watched the White House Press briefing with Coronavirus task force and was pleased to hear the call by President Trump: “If you recovered from the corona virus, I ask you to consider contacting your local blood and plasma donation center for arranging your donation that could potentially save many lives”. Good effort, especially in times when blood donations in general have gone down.

The Universe is still kind to us. When it gives problems, it also lives a space for solving them. So here I would repeat the unexpectedly wise words from Arnold Schwarzenegger where he encouraged people to unite their efforts despite different political. In a recent video, he pointed the way in terms so simple they cannot be misunderstood.

“Don’t be a part of the problem. Be a part of the solution.”

Sir Isaac Newton. Photo courtesy of https://sirisaacnewton.info/