Saturday, 25 April 2020

Social Impacts of Coronavirus on the South Asian Countries

The lockdown sparked by Coronavirus threatens every livelihood in the world. COVID-19 has altered human interaction and halted human communication. It has caused a disastrous impact on the social and cultural aspects of every mega cities and villages across the globe. It affects not only the GDP/ GNP of a country but also the society and mental health of its people. The affected persons cannot contribute to society properly. 

Being a social creature, it is a huge shock for mankind not being able to visit their friends, relatives and chat. It is predicted that the Coronavirus will change the world permanently and globalization process may compromise. The way COVID 19 is altering the globe: 

Social Impacts of Corona virus on the Society in South Asian Nations


Public gatherings 
As per government notice, all types of gatherings are strictly prohibited. Places (shopping malls and tea stalls) which attract mass people are declared closed. The public cannot even visit their relatives’ house. 

The prime issue it that it is almost impossible for the citizens of developing nations to maintain social distancing inside a crowded public bus or train. 


Greetings 
The virus can spread through hands. If covid 19 affected men shake hands with another, he/ she will be infected. People catch the virus by touching surfaces. That’s why people want to avoid hugging, kissing, handshake with others. The social interaction is changing and it will have a big impact on our society. 


Education Sector 
COVID 19 has influenced education globally, leading to the closure of educational institutions. Nowadays, schools and universities cannot conduct classes but some colleges and universities are trying to take online classes. The government tries to broadcast online classes through TV. However, students from the village and remote areas are unable to attend online classes because of load shedding and poor internet connection. Actually, developing counties in South Asia don’t possess proper social infrastructures. 


Health sector 
Although many government offices are closed as per government policies, government health officials are in work. Doctors, nurses and other medical staffs are working with their utmost effort. They work with risks although they lack medical equipment (ventilators, ICUs, PPE, masks). 

People with health issues or sick people don’t want to go to the hospital because of getting infected by the virus. Testing kits are very limited to developing countries. Some doctors and nurses don't want to give treatment on account of catching virus. Mass production of personal protective equipment (helmets, protective clothing, goggles) and training can be game-changer. 


Festivals & Recreation 
Since the virus is highly contagious, lockdown is held all over the country. All kinds of religious, social and cultural programs have been postponed. We do not know yet whether we can celebrate the upcoming festivals (Eid, Puja, fairs) or not. As social distance is enhancing, no one is allowed to visit their relatives. 

Programs like marriage, birthday party, get together and picnics etc. are postponed. 


Ignorance & Unconsciousness 
The people in some villages don’t have proper knowledge of the government’s or WHO’s instruction and they are still unaware of the virus. They gather and chat at the shops, local markets and fields. Some people don’t care about the virus. They wear masks in front of police not for their own safety just like some bikers who don’t want to wear a helmet. Some like to chat and roam when they see police or army they start running. 


Myths & Superstition 
In India, there are some myths that consuming cow dung and drinking cow urine can cure Covid 19. Some people became unwell because of drinking too much cow urine. 


Religious Activities 
From Morocco to Mecca, Muslim prayers have been stopped. At first, the government of Bangladesh did not give a direct order to avoid mosques. After spreading of coronavirus at the community level, direct instructions were given to close all mosques. Moreover, collective prayers and Tarawih prayers at mosques will also be suspended due to the physical distancing guidelines. Saudi government advised Muslims to cancel the Hajj and Umrah amid Coronavirus Pandemic. 

However, some people in some areas conduct Namaz-e-Janaza or Milad and other mahfils defying the orders of the government. 


Frustration & Mental Health (Psychological) 
Many workers are being forced to leave their jobs and these staffs face uncertainty on the present and future. Some jobless people become frustrated and they may act viciously when they stay home. Elder family members don’t accustom to the lockdown situation. So they want to come out for gossiping with their neighbours and/or friends. 

Some may feel awkward and anxious because they cannot pay bills and rents to landlords. It will be tough for them to pay so many bills altogether (school, utility, foods etc.). 


Domestic violence 
Women may face violence from their male counterpart. People have to be patient and pray for the better solution from the creator. 


Sports & Mobile Addiction 
Sports sectors face loss. Students and young people cannot go to sports centres and a playground. They cannot enjoy their leisure time to remove their monotony. Without playing any outdoor game, they have to stay home and pass their time indoor. 

Children are getting addicted to cellphone and other electronic devices (Laptop, Tab). The fear is that they spend less time studying and more time of social media and TikTok. It hampers their productive tasks and creativity. 


Social Stratification & Middle Classes 
This virus has had far-reaching consequences on society. Although government bodies and different organizations give daily necessary products as reliefs to the poor and low earning people this financial and food assistance are not simply enough. Middle class constitutes a large part of the population. Most middle class and lower-middle-class families are reluctant to ask and go for help (cash or in-kind) to anyone in public for the sake of shame and self-esteem. Without donations, some people pass day and night without eating. 


Home quarantine 
Home quarantines can slow down coronavirus but the effectiveness of staying home depends on people who obey or bend the law. 

The people who work in various foreign countries have returned hometown. As they pass a workless hour, they get bored and go to the house of their relatives ignoring the direction of the government, the health ministry and WHO (15 days home quarantine - social distance). 


We should predict and prepared for the tremendous impact and extreme situation. 


Share your opinion, facts and arguments about the issue.

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