It’s been two long years of fear and anxiety amongst the people and the mandatory following of pandemic protocols and SOPs. It appears that thankfully we are now returning to complete normalcy. Carnival, Shigmo and the recent conduct of elections have all passed off with a minimum of fuss and hassles. As a result, the Government has already endorsed the expert Committee recommendations and allowed the opening of cinema halls, gyms, casinos and restaurants at full capacity, after the last month’s decision to open up the Schools and Colleges . However, we have been rightly advised to follow appropriate behaviour which basically means physical distancing and use of masks.

We experienced the third wave of the pandemic which was the omicron variant of the ‘super spreader’. Although it was a short wave, it was more infectious than the delta variant which caused havoc and so many people lost their lives. Presently the cases have dropped drastically which indicates that the omicron variant is diminishing. Across the world, the restrictions are being lifted and some countries have even withdrawn the requirement of compulsory wearing of masks in public places. A debate is already going on whether the fourth wave will occur or not, some even predicting the same to strike as early as June 2022. An Indian virologist is fairly confident that no fourth wave will occur in our country unless an unexpected variant that behaves differently from alpha, beta, gamma or omicron comes by. Notwithstanding this debate, the need of the hour is for people not to throw caution to the winds. Now it all depends on us to keep ourselves safe from this virus for their own sake and for the sake of others as well. Life has to go on and we have to learn to live with the prevailing situation. The ‘endemic stage’ is when a population learns to live with a virus. It is different from the ‘epidemic stage’,when the virus overwhelms a population. We need to be alert and be prepared to meet any eventuality at all times. Let’s not drop our guard or else we will be taken by surprise.

We are nearing the end of the Lenten Season. Shortly we shall be celebrating Easter, which spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.

Here’s wishing you all a very HAPPY EASTER.

May God bless your home with happiness and unwavering Faith this Easter and may all of your dreams and wishes come true!!!

Until we meet again,

Felix Dias
-Editor-