Day Two


G went jogging early in the morning and was accosted by a cop, who sent him back home. I am happy that the state is monitoring. G argued with me that he was alone. I replied – what if everyone thought like you? Our selfishness is not always obvious. I think everyone should act and behave as if they are infected.

Have been bingeing on Italian neorealism films since last 4 days. Today I watched Europa 51 (lovely Ingrid Bergman) and Germany, Year Zero. Both directed by Roberto Rosselini.
These films are bleak, unrelentingly pessimistic and end without holding up any hope.  In the 2nd film, a Nazi teacher says - "we must have the courage to allow the weak to be destroyed." This provokes a 12-yo to poison his ailing father. Some days back this thought occurred – infected birds and animals are culled to stop the spread.

Economist podcast says that a drug may emerge soon. It will be one that is already in use, so that lengthy clinical trials can be eliminated. Even if it reduces ICU stay by 50%, it will be a tremendous achievement. The podcast also had a story of a guy constructing data on the virus spread by tracking Instagram posts and their locations. Also this simple idea of using selfies to enforce quarantine.

The first medical reports are in, but there’s no silver bullet for coronavirus infection yet.

We are having 21-day lockdown from midnight today. Olympics is postponed to next year. 
Location: Mumbai

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