Not too long ago, the entire world had changed with one word: coronavirus. Economies had slowed to a halt, education had been disrupted, health systems had crumbled, and a profound uncertainty was looming over daily life. First identified in Wuhan, China in late 2019, the virus rapidly escalated into a global pandemic. Bangladesh, like much of the world, was not spared. Yet, the greater threat we had faced was not the virus itself, but the wave of panic, misinformation, and ignorance surrounding it. Unfortunately, corona threat is still persistent.
In the early days of the outbreak, people knew very little about the virus. This lack of knowledge triggered widespread fear and confusion. The media, social media, and unverified sources only amplified this panic. As a result, daily life came to an abrupt standstill. Words like "lockdown," "quarantine," "isolation," and "social distancing" quickly became part of our everyday vocabulary. People rushed to shops, hoarded supplies, and many avoided hospitals out of fear-even when critically ill. Tragically, some died at home without receiving proper medical attention.
Had we responded with awareness instead of fear, the situation could have been significantly better controlled. Though dangerous, COVID-19 is a preventable disease-manageable through proper hygiene, responsible behavior, and access to accurate information.
Earlier, many were unsure how the virus spread or how to protect themselves. The inability to distinguish COVID-19 from common colds and fevers, coupled with a flood of misinformation, led to dangerous myths. Some believed garlic could prevent infection; others swore by black cumin, hot water, or saltwater gargling. None of these had any scientific backing. These misconceptions led to serious public health risks. People went outside without masks, ignored safety guidelines, and risked infecting others. One person's carelessness became a threat to the entire community. What we needed was widespread, sustained public awareness-something that has long been lacking in our society.
The rumors that spread during the pandemic reflected a deep level of ignorance. Claims that hot water, herbal remedies, or unproven home cures could kill the virus misled thousands. Many people, following such advice, harmed their own health. Worse still, the social response to COVID-positive individuals was often cruel. Some patients were shunned by their communities or driven out of their homes. Others were denied burial or hospital care. Ambulances were blocked, and patients faced severe stigma. These actions exposed a harsh, inhumane side of our society.
Fear weakens us. Awareness empowers us. Fear distorts reality and fuels poor decisions. Awareness, on the other hand, teaches us to act rationally, assess information critically, and respond responsibly during a crisis.
Those who remained informed-who wore masks, washed hands regularly, and maintained distance-stayed relatively safe. Those who believed in baseless rumors and ignored safety measures placed themselves and others at risk. The government, admittedly, was slow to react initially. But with time, the health sector mobilized: testing centers were set up, isolation units established, and vaccination programs launched. However, no government alone can keep an entire nation aware. That requires participation from every level of society.
Had educational institutions, religious centers, social organizations, and local representatives worked together to spread awareness, the situation could have been better managed. In some areas, this happened. But overall, the national response fell short of what was needed.
The first wave of COVID-19 exposed deep flaws in our healthcare infrastructure. There were not enough ICU beds, oxygen supplies, or COVID testing labs. Many hospitals struggled to cope. Medical personnel-doctors, nurses, and health workers-risked their lives to serve the public, often without proper protective equipment. Many of them lost their lives in the process. Their sacrifice is a tragic but heroic chapter in this story. This experience has shown us the urgent need to prioritize the safety and mental well-being of healthcare workers, not just in emergencies but as a permanent commitment.
Another key takeaway from this pandemic is the importance of prevention over treatment. Public campaigns that promoted mask-wearing, hand washing, and social distancing brought health education into the spotlight. Even in rural communities, people began to understand the importance of basic hygiene practices. At the very least, the pandemic has made us more conscious of public health.
Still, the health sector's weaknesses were glaring. Many hospitals lacked ICUs, oxygen supplies were insufficient, and protective gear was limited. While the government made efforts to respond, it was impossible to overcome years of systemic mismanagement overnight. We must take this crisis as a wake-up call and immediately work to restructure and strengthen our health system. If we fail to do so, we will be equally unprepared when the next pandemic strikes.
Beyond physical health, the pandemic also inflicted deep mental and emotional trauma. Families were isolated, jobs were lost, financial instability took hold, and fear of death became overwhelming. Mental health issues, depression, even suicides surged. Domestic violence cases also rose during lockdowns. This experience underscored the critical importance of mental health care, which must be integrated into future disaster response planning.
Despite some heartbreaking incidents, the pandemic also revealed acts of compassion and courage. Volunteers provided food to the poor, doctors treated patients for free, and many risked their own lives to help others. These individuals are symbols of hope-proof that humanity and social responsibility can thrive even in times of crisis. Their actions are examples we should carry into the future.
According to global health experts, pandemics like COVID-19 are likely to recur. We do not know when, where, or in what form the next outbreak will emerge. But if we apply the lessons learned from this crisis, we will be better prepared. At the heart of that preparation must be awareness. An aware citizen is a responsible citizen-and responsible citizens are the foundation of a resilient society.
The coronavirus has changed our lives in profound ways-some terrifying, others instructive. It has taught us that science, accurate information, and human values-not panic-are our strongest tools in times of crisis.
From now on, let our motto be: "Not panic, but awareness. Not rumors, but truth and compassion." Only a well-informed and aware nation can successfully face any future disaster.
The writer is a contributor
