Reflection on the Current SARS-CoV2 Pandemic

Without doubt, the spread of COVID-19 (SARS-CoV2) has resulted in fear and
uncertainty across the world. After a couple of months with restrictions and lockdown measures,
there is a certain percentage of the population that is pro re-opening businesses and allowing
freedom of movement to revive the plummeting economy. Most people are seemingly unaware
of the fatality of the SARS-CoV2, including the time and the type of exposure needed to spread
infections. The coronavirus spreads extremely fast with free interaction between uninfected,
asymptomatic, and symptomatic cases, especially in enclosed spaces such as office buildings. In
addition, the statistics show that the only way we have been able to reduce the number of new
cases is by observing social distancing and other important measures that come with great
personal responsibility. Owing to the fatal nature of the SARS-CoV2, the only way we can
reduce risk of infection for ourselves and the people around us is by collaborating with
distancing and hygiene guidelines, and keeping the faith that God will deliver us from evil of the
deadly pandemic.
Since one of the key methods of spreading is from person to person, ensuring low
interaction with people can help reduce the risk of becoming infected. As Christians, we are
expected to be each other’s keeper. While most of the guidelines are immensely practical, the
patience and depth of understanding required in the current health crisis calls for spiritual
intervention. We are unaware of the trajectory the disease may take, and current mathematical
models project more deaths in the next 2 months. The case could be even worse if the current
lockdown limitations are lifted. The awareness of the rate at which people are losing life
contributes to build up of fear that necessitates us to turn to God to rescue us from this
pestilence. We need to deepen our relationship with God so that his grace can help us accept his
will. Although efforts in science and medicine has helped us get through crisis in the past,
spiritual guidance has helped Christians persevere through challenging times.
The scriptures reveal that understanding the enemy, in this case SARS-CoV2, has helped
nations conquer many battles that were seemingly impossible. One of the most contributing
factors to the concerns around the current pandemic is the uncertainty of the particularities of the
virus. Recent finding published by scholars reveal that the SARS-CoV2 behaves differently from
other members of the coronaviruses group, especially in the ability of asymptomatic people to
spread it. Asymptomatic spread is extremely challenging to control since most people do not get
to self-isolate before infecting others. In this case, we must prepare ourselves for the possibility
that 70 percent of the population will eventually becoming infected, and about 20 percent of us
will require hospitalization with severe symptoms such as respiratory failure and multi-organ
failure. While it has become evident that older people are the most at risk of death, the low risk
of a 0.2 percent death among the younger generation translates into tens of thousands of deaths.
Therefore, lack of stringent measures to prevent the spread or lack of adherence to these
measures means that the SARS-COV-2 will keep spreading and killing more people.
As a Christian, I am confident that my prayers, role, and responsibility in protecting
myself and others are significant factors in the control of infection, spread of fear, and the belief

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that we will triumph over this enemy. In this case, what I do or say to others is important and
could lead to low or increased risk of infections. Our loving God has worked for our good in
situations we did not expect, including ending pandemics that have happened over the course of
history. The fear of death and illness should drive us to care for our souls and also seek God’s
mercy. In Matthew 10:28, “And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the
soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”