The Virus - Chapter 14

How a Virus Changed the World …. for the Better….

Chapter 14          The Gradual Breakdown & Global Turmoil

The pandemic was causing a gradual breakdown in the systems of government worldwide and creating turmoil across the globe. Nobody was prepared for what was unfolding at incredible pace. In fact, all the various issues facing humanity including climate change, poverty, disparities, social issues, and conflicts were being magnified in the wake of the pandemic.

Dr. Jolly and Jenna were watching the news on TV where United Nations Secretary-General was talking at a press conference.

“The world’s nations and people must reverse today’s dangerous trends and choose the breakthrough scenario. The world is under enormous stress on almost every front and the pandemic is a wake-up call demonstrating the failure of nations to come together and take joint decisions to help all people in the face of a global life-threatening emergency. This paralysis extends far beyond the pandemic, to the failures to tackle the climate crisis and our suicidal war on nature and the collapse of biodiversity, the unchecked inequality undermining the cohesion of societies, and technology’s advances without guard rails to protect us from its unforeseen consequences.”

The U.N. Secretary-General continued his talk about some of the same conclusions that Dr. Jolly and his friends had reached. On one hand, it seemed like everything was totally out of control and the world was falling apart. On the hand, there was very inspiring consultations about new ideas and how to address the global breakdown. 

Jenna was watching a documentary on her computer about how slums around the world were totally exposed to the virus with crowded housing and lack of running water with sewage running through narrow pathways where children would play. “Dad, come take a look at this video.”

Dr. Jolly shook his head as he watched. “Wow, Jenna, it’s so important to be reminded about the conditions of these slums and the plight of the poor that are now part of the landscape in most large metropolitan areas everywhere. The spread of the virus in these neighborhoods could be extremely fast. The refugee camps are pretty much in the same predicament as the slums and need attention. In fact, with increasing political strife, government corruption and wars, the number of refugees is increasing. Unless we address the issues of the refugees, homeless, and the poor, we might never be able to get the pandemic under control or avoid future public health disasters.”

Jenna went to the balcony with her little yoga mat for her daily routine. Dr. Jolly decided to join her.

“Jenna, I don’t think I will ever be able to do your poses. It’s just too difficult.”

Jenna smiled. “Well, I’ve been doing this for a few years now. But you should see some of the Indian Yogis who seem to have no bones in their body.”

Dr. Jolly and Jenna had a simple breakfast as they continued talking about the vision of a future society.

Dr. Jolly checked his calendar. He was scheduled to talk Dr. Morrison in Chicago on Zoom this evening.

He had also been exchanging emails with Dr. Mulungu in Tanzania.

It seemed like gradually a non-traditional model was emerging to address the causes of the pandemic with Dr. Kaviani at CDC in Atlanta, and other medical professionals and specialists that Dr. Jolly was consulting with.

The process of putting a team of experts to try some very non-traditional solutions was coming into focus as the various players were being identified and consulted with.

On another note, for the past couple of days, Dr. Jolly had been trying to talk to Maria on the phone without much success. He decided to try again by calling the hospital. And this time she picked up the phone. “Hello…...?”

“Hi Maria, wow, it’s so good to hear from you. How are you doing?”

“Hi Tony, I saw the missed call on my cellphone, but I couldn’t respond. It’s been really difficult.”

“I’m sorry to hear that. I have been getting updates about you and your son while you were in the ICU. You know that I also tested positive when I arrived here in India. So, I have been in quarantine since last week and now Jenna is with me which is great. How is your son?””

“Wow, it’s great to hear that Jenna is with you. My son is doing fine and could be going home tomorrow.”

“Well, me and Jenna have pretty much recovered and as soon as we test negative we will try to get back to New York.”

“That’s great Tony, please let me know. I will try to respond to your text messages. I’m still kind of weak and low on energy.”

“I will pray for your quick recovery Maria. You’ll be fine.”

“Thanks Tony, take care.”

Dr. Jolly closed his eyes for a few moments and reflected on what was happening. It all seemed so surreal and so fast. Now more than ever, he was motivated to focus on the causes of the pandemic as the trajectory of events had become totally unpredictable.

To add another element to an already complicated situation, Dr. Jolly got a report from the WHO’s Geneva office about the virus mutating. Reports of new variants of the virus emerging in Asia and Africa was disturbing. The mutation of the virus posed a great challenge to researchers and pharmaceutical companies who were trying to come up with a vaccine.

Dr. Jolly decided to call his dear friend Dr. Kaviani at the CDC in Atlanta.

“Hi Vahid, how are you doing?”

“Hi Tony, Thanks, it’s great to hear from you. I am doing much better.”

“That’s what I like to hear. I was able to talk to Maria. She is still recovering but I think she will be fine.”

“Wonderful. I also talked to her. Her son most likely would go home tomorrow.”

“Vahid, I have been thinking about setting up an innovative clinical trial with meditation, vegan food, juices and detox remedies.”

“Fantastic, I’m with you and will fully support it.” 

“Great, that’s good to hear. I have been studying some reports from the WHO. We are seeing a strong trend of hospitalization among patients with preconditions like diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular issues, or cancer who have a very difficult time recovering from infections caused by the virus. The death toll among this group is the highest worldwide based on our statistics.”

“Absolutely, Tony, we are also seeing the same trend. I think our communities are in desperate need of change. It all comes down to the immune system, eating habits and stress levels. We are putting too much effort into our materialistic pursuits which leads to a very stressful lifestyle. Everyone is working hard to live in big homes and drive the latest model cars. The pressure is tremendous. Basically, stress is killing us. On top that we are seeing massive disruptions in peace and basic safety in our communities which adds to the stress.”

“You’re right Vahid. It’s important to identify the various elements that collectively have had a great impact on our lives worldwide. It’s a global issue. We are consuming products and services which require massive amounts of fossil fuels and other natural resources. Our lifestyle today is the cause of huge levels of waste and pollution.”

Dr. Jolly was silent for a moment and then continued. “We need to talk about change. The fact that you, Jenna, and myself recovered from the virus quickly, is a testament to the fact that food can be our medicine and meditation is a great way of alleviating stress.”

“I think so Tony, I had never thought about it before but now it’s obvious to me. I tell you. It’s just common sense. Our popular diet of highly saturated animal fats, sugary beverages, and highly processed food with all kinds of chemicals and antibiotics are a huge detriment to our health and the environment. The statistics are a good indicator of where we need to make changes.”

“Definitely. The other area we would be addressing through meditation is the impact of conflicts and stress on the immune system. Stress, of course, can be from a variety of sources including family conflicts and breakups all the way to global disputes, wide-spread poverty, and economic disparities. All and all while billionaires get richer even during the pandemic which calls for compassion. Meanwhile, lack of access to natural resources like water can be the cause of tremendous tension. The way some countries take ownership of our global natural resources is making the poor countries more destitute. So essentially, stress, lack of compassion by the greater community and bad nutrition are part of the reality of poverty in today’s world.” Dr. Jolly shared.

Dr. Jolly stopped and took a deep breath and then continued. “We need collective action at the global level. It’s time for world unity. By the way, Jenna is reading the Baha’i Writings on the New World Order. and she is looking for more materials.”

Jenna was listening to the conversation and shaking her head in agreement.        

“Sure, Tony, please give my love to Jenna. That’s great news. I will try to send some links and eBooks.”

“Thanks, Vahid, I will be talking to Dr. Morrison in Chicago tonight our time. I am thinking about asking her to join our team for the clinical trial of what we were talking about with yourself and others as we move forward to try this idea of plant-based food and meditation.”

“That’s a great idea. She is gonna be a perfect team member for our plan. I will try to find a couple of locations where we can set-up the clinical trial.” Dr. Kaviani responded.

By now, the pandemic had turned into a non-stop tidal wave. As Dr. Jolly was trying to find ways of addressing the causes of the massive outbreak, the virus was mutating, gaining momentum, and spreading even faster.

Most people were trying to follow the protocol and isolate themselves. But there were also those who thought this was just a hoax until they would end up in the ICU at the hospital. Then they quickly would change their mind and tell all their family and friends that they had been wrong all along and this was for real.

Economically the global market was in ruins as most businesses in the service sector like hospitality, travel industry had to shut down or totally restrict their activities. Governments had to give out free money to their constituents just to keep things floating.

Ecologically however, things couldn’t be better. For the first time in 30 years people in places like New Delhi were able to see blue skies. Air pollution seemed to have vanished overnight as people were not using fossil fuels. The price of oil reached zero and then even below zero as consumption dopped drastically.

Dr. Jolly was about to get on a Zoom call with Dr. Morrison in Chicago. This was going to be vital to the clinical trials that was being planned.

© 2022 Ramses Rashidi