Admittedly, it has not been an easy process, especially in certain parts of the world where population density and poverty force people to live in cramped conditions.
But while very little can be done about it in the developing world, it’s disturbing to see social distancing norms being flouted even in the so-called first world countries. Used to a free and open lifestyle, people in the US, the UK, Spain and other countries have flocked the beaches and other public spaces at the slightest relaxation of norms leading to concerns about a spike in infections.
Also adding to this fear is the “I can’t breathe” protests raging across the world sparked by the death in Minneapolis of George Floyd, a black American man who lost his life when a police officer knelt on his neck for more than eight minutes before squeezing the last breath out of him.
Derek Chauvin, the white police officer who was the culprit, was fired along with three other colleagues who were with him but didn’t do anything to save Floyd’s life. They have been charged with murder and abetting murder, but it couldn’t stop pent-up anger over years of alleged injustice and alienation from erupting onto the streets across America causing nation-wide chaos.
In Britain, a statue of a slave trader was brought down by the demonstrators, a move which had the support of Formula One ace Lewis Hamilton and other sports stars.
Tennis legend Boris Becker took part in a “Black Lives Matter” protest in Germany, saying it’s time to discuss the issue in the open rather than sweep it under the carpet.
“We should talk about it much more publicly”, said the 52-year-old, adding, “We are one family.”
Surely, something good would come out of protests but governments would be also keeping their fingers crossed, hoping no large scale virus transmission has occurred during the period.
Sport bounces back
It’s no secret that sports took a massive hit due to the pandemic with all competitive outdoor activity coming to a standstill since March. However there is reason for optimism that things would be back to normal in a few months.
Bundesliga is already up and running, while the English Premier League and La Liga have also announced the dates for the next round of matches.Formula One, tennis and athletics also are in line for resumption.
The Qatar Stars League meanwhile, got things moving by announcing its fixtures and are in the process of testing players, coaches and officials for the virus.
Yesterday, several QSL players and officials have had their swab samples taken as per strict protocols and based on the results training will begin in a few days. If all goes well, footballers will be quite busy over the next few months with the QNB Stars League, the Asian Champions League, the Amir Cup and the Asian and World Cup qualifiers.
Meanwhile, Qatar-owned horses have been making a big splash in Europe by winning several races, with Kameko triumphing in the Qipco 2000 Guineas in the UK on Saturday. While it will be a while before complete normalcy returns, it can be said that sport is surely looking up after months of uncertainty.