The precautions and the guidelines being reissued by the Ministry of Health are signs that we may face a resurgence of the scary coronavirus, and the situation could turn dire if we do not take the MOH messages seriously. Will we be safe again? May be face another lock down? Working online and from home? No one knows, as the situation is unpredictable with this random virus turning out to be a socioeconomic leveler.

Many countries are going through critical times and have announced lockdowns and curbs to battle a coronavirus variant that has already killed thousands of people. Even developed countries were hit by this disastrous virus and seemingly have lost control in the face of this virus. For instance UK is in grip of this new variant and are going through a harrowing period.

British health authorities were taken by surprise by the second wave and have been using every method they could employ to stem the spread of this virus. As a consequence of their ongoing battle, they went through all these curbs — shutting down shops, factories, schools, transportations, and travel and most of their essential industries with many losing their jobs. Amid this scenario, I can’t imagine traveling to my lovely city London this year — 2021.

I also reviewed the Saudi news about the percentage we reached on coronavirus cases — almost 200% in couple of weeks in January. It is a clear indictor, that we are revisiting unhealthy practices unfortunately, and, also courting danger actually. I personally do not want to entertain the idea of re-imposition of lockdown, as it caused me a lot of psychological issues.

Experts say the new variant of the disease could affect many more people this time, therefore, Saudi Arabia’s wise government has decided to take necessary precautionary procedures at an early stage in order to prevent the resurgence of the virus. The tough tackling of this pandemic is vital in order to ensure safety for human lives here, and the first step is by delaying the resumption of international flight till May 17, 2021.

Its timely reminder to each one of us to be accountable during such frightening times since vaccinations will take time to be given to every citizen and resident inside Saudi Arabia and, according to the logistics this will take longer than planned. Also we should observe all the safety measures and protocols taken by Saudi Arabia to counter this pandemic, especially valuing the time, money and efforts of the authorities.

Thankfully today we are observing in every governmental institution and private sector extra efforts and instructions (wearing masks, social distance, avoiding crowds, sanitizing) to bring awareness to the groups and individuals to implement the required. I believe that the level of success is collective and that’s why we have to do our part with a strong commitment toward the precautionary steps.

By acting early and proceeding smarter, we can be ready to face a new wave. I wish to stay safe and the world, by not having to return to the 2020’s nightmare of delay and obstacles concerning our daily routines, work, schooling, relationships, social interactions and all.