3 minutes
A few months ago, the world learned of a virus called coronavirus or COVID-19. It seemed that Wuhan in China was affected and that all of China needed to be isolated to keep the virus from spreading. Yet the epidemic emerged inexplicably in northern Italy, in the heart of Europe, where thousands of Italians could be infected. A few days ago, the WHO declared COVID-19 a pandemic, alerting the world to inevitable transmission.
Today, Guatemala is facing this problem. Many skeptically believe the country will be unable to respond to such a complex situation. After so many crises in our country, it is difficult to feel confident that Guatemala's government has the capabilities, responsibility, and above all the resources to counter this virus. However, it seems that today's problem lies not with the government but with the population.
We have been unwilling to accept that our society has developed in some social, economic, and perhaps technological respects, yet many illnesses affecting society today stem from a lack of hygiene and education.
With the arrival of this crisis, many people are only now washing their hands more frequently and adopting stricter hygiene habits. Even so, we still have much to learn. One positive aspect we can mention is that this crisis will teach us an important lesson about adopting the culture of hygiene this country so badly needs.
Ironically, the president's actions have been criticized negatively, especially now that there is a state of emergency, restrictions, and above all a curfew, measures that have had to be implemented because of a lack of awareness, solidarity, and responsibility.
It is important not to believe everything circulating on social media or make information go viral without first checking official sources. We still need to learn how to stay informed. Extreme measures were therefore taken to protect Guatemalans from themselves, since some people have treated not going to work or school as a vacation or a break. Both Italy and Spain understood too late the consequences of not following these measures, and within a few days had thousands of infections and deaths. Today, the crisis is at its most severe.
One of the areas most affected by this crisis is education. Some private schools continue teaching virtually. In public schools, some have assigned homework and others have not. They cannot work virtually because many students lack internet access to continue their education online. The Ministry of Education now needs to create strategies so students can develop the competencies necessary to complete this year. Passing them by decree is not a solution: lacking the knowledge from their current grade will have serious consequences for students with educational gaps.
We hope that during the preventive measures in our country, Guatemalans' quality of life improves and parents commit to supporting their children in the education broadcast on national television. This may not be the best strategy, but it allows some of this year's necessary knowledge to continue being taught. Meanwhile, we must unite in prayer for each of our lives. Let us learn to show more solidarity with one another, without hoarding food and medicines, and set aside all the differences that have divided us as a country. God bless Guatemala!