Pandemic Pugilism: Counterpunching with COVID-19

Counterpunching:  (noun) - a punch thrown in return for one received                                                                                        (verb) - to throw a counter punch

"We're in the middle of the fight of our lives -- all of us around the world"                                                       - Dr. Michael Ryan, Executive Director of World Health Organization Emergencies Program, 2-6-20

       If only that had been true. Currently, a typical boxing match goes for 9-12 rounds. If the director had been correct, we would have been in round 5 or 6 at that time and the fight would have done by now for a few months. Far from it, of course (see August 20 post "No Rest for the Weary"). How many more rounds we have to answer the bell for is anyone's guess. In the meantime, I offer you this 'pugilist parody' on the current fight we are waging vs. COVID-19 (no laughing matter but I could not resist the parallels and perhaps it will help spur you to action).

       "And in this corner, weighing in at close to nothing, is the reigning champion, COVID-19, featuring what else but the pink and red we have so often seen depicted in microscopic photos. Pretty but deadly, stealth remains the superpower of this champion, whose popularity has of course gone viral! And in this corner, carrying the weight of the world, comes the challenger, EMAY (Everyone - Me And You), whose surname will be withheld until the fight is over, in case of a bad result (we'll actually have no one to blame but ourselves if that occurs). Wearing a full body suit and mask, the challenger hails from places unknown, but familiar to all of us as well, as 'they' represent our collective hopes and fears in this fight of fights."

       "Ding!"  And the boxers come out of their respective corners! COVID comes out as the aggressor, getting inside the challenger's gloves (and mask) and instills fear, which becomes...infectious! The challenger, thinking they were prepared but finding out otherwise, by the end of the round are wearing down. Round 1 to COVID. The corner men, in addition to spraying the challenger with hand sanitizer, implores them to stay with the game plan, not to be intimidated by COVID -- "Game plan, what game plan?! Ding! As I said, no rest for the weary. COVID, sensing an early victory, goes on a full frontal assault. But the challenger, with great resolve, first covers up and tries to 'distance' (recalling a scene from Rocky), and then comes out counterpunching like there's no tomorrow. COVID retreats. Round 2 to EMAY!

       And so it goes. How many more rounds we have to go is, again, anyone's guess (perhaps up to 19?). What round does it feel like to you? And, if you were one of  the 'corner men', what and how would you instill inspiration in your fighter(s)? Finally, what would your tactics be to go the distance, gain the advantage, and secure a victory over COVID? If you have answers to any or all of these, I suggest you call Dr. Ryan and advise him accordingly.

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