The first quarter of 2020 was nowhere close to what was expected. The month of April turned out to be no consolation at all either. Not much has happened during the past month to lift our spirits or give us hope that this will all come to an end soon. On the contrary, the Covid-19 outbreak continues to coerce us into further isolation and estrangement from life as we know it.
Information overload is a define predicament during these times and I apologize for opening fire with more of it.
Nevertheless here are a few of the stories that captured my attention during the past month.
01. Rapid test device- The latest deterrent against our continued battle against the coronavirus
The PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) method is in short and attempts to “nib it at the bud” enabling direct detection of parasite agents through enzymatic amplification of a part of their genome. Its greatest trait is that it can detect the same in even the weakest strains and different types of samples.
A PCR assay is also the first step in the search for polymorphisms associated with the coronavirus with no carry-over contamination risk and a probability of false-positive results.
02. Lockdown extended- “Life” remains at a standstill
As of 2 May 2020, a total of 3,344,274 cases of Covid 19 have been confirmed in more than 185 countries and 26 cruise ships docked in international waters. Presently it is said that there are 2,052,155 active cases world over, with patients reported from every nook and corner of the earth.
238,775 have succumbed to this deadly virus thus far and the world health organization continues to emphasize on the importance of social distancing and uncompromised personal hygiene to break the vicious cycle to which we have fallen victim to.
In a global attempt to cripple the spread of the disease almost all countries continue in their respective quarantining measures with only essential services functioning to facilitate its people. A big round of applause to all personal world over engaged in upholding the logistics and the framework that is in place to allow us to fight the virus from the comfort of our home, at the risk of their health and safety.
03. USA records highest count on confirmed patients- case numbers continue to spike everyday
The continued spread of the virus of the coronavirus in the USA has shocked the world, to say the least. At present, it has over 1,109,500 active cases and a rising death toll that currently stands close to 65,000. With over 1000 new cases being reported each day health officials are overwhelmed in their continued efforts to provide the appropriate care to all.
04. The death of the creator of the duo “Tom and Jerry” - Looks like the chase would finally come to an end
On the 16 of April, the world woke up to the news of the demise of the much loved American illustrator and animator Gene Deitch (95), who was also the creator of many celebrated short films and cartoon series such as Munroe, tom terrific, Popeye and Tom and Jerry.
“For the Love of Prague”, his memoir on 30 years of life lived amidst the Communist Party dictatorship in Prague is an interesting read and a great means to glimpse into the mind of the accredited artist.
05. Australia T20 - The International Cricket Council (ICC) confirms on plans to keep to the agenda despite the coronavirus pandemic
While this might not be every body’s cup of tea, there is great news for cricket fans out there. Plans for the 2020 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup remains underway and will take place in Australia from 18 October to 15 November. In the event it does get re called, it will be the second international sporting event that is postponed due to the prevailing situation, following the 2020 Olympics which was originally supposed to be held in Tokyo but is not moved down to the summer of 2021.
06. Lyrid Meteor Showers - The oldest modern meteor ever to be documented
The April Lyrids meteor shower occurs from April 16 to April 26 each year. The peak of the shower most often takes place around April 22 and continues to the early hours of the 23rd of the month. The Lyrids is the oldest modern meteor shower to be ever observed and recorded, with a history that dates back as far as 687 BC. Hailing form the constellation of Lyra, it is said that these particular meteor rains put up quite the show on a night with an absentee moon.
Read More About Lyrid Meteor Showers:
07. Global warming- Relying on new technology alone will not save the planet
Science and technology will only delay the inevitable at the pace in which we are operating. Both global warming and climate change are hot topics today because of the stillness in human operations and the actuality the universe has compelled us to accept. Looks like pointing a gun right at our head is the only we she can grab our attention! I hope the lessons learnt during these times will be carried forward into times post corona virus, the price to pay if we do not head is much likely to be graver than being confined us to our homes for months on end.
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