The Coronavirus Pandemic - Every Cloud Has A Silver Lining

The Coronavirus Pandemic -
Every cloud has a silver lining
AN ENGLISH PROVERB WHICH HAS ITS ROOTS IN JOHN MILTON’S POEM IN 1664 –
Every cloud has a silver lining. This English proverb means every sad or difficult situation has a
comforting or more hopeful aspect. Is this really the case, or are there exceptional circumstances of
which we find this not to be true? At this time, the whole world is faced with a dilemma of how to
contain and eradicate the highly contagious Coronavirus. I personally believe that only a balanced
and measured approach to tackling this disease, can reduce its impact on our daily lives.
In the first place, the effects of the pandemic have forced countless businesses, schools and
universities to conduct operations online, as opposed to onsite, at the warehouse, office or campus.
Secondly, governments say that onsite closures and social distancing are needed to stop the spread
of the virus. However, many companies and experts are voicing their concern that extreme
measures will be largely counterproductive. I strongly agree with this view because without trade, a
country cannot function or maintain the supply of essential goods and services. Furthermore, one
must take into account that millions of jobs will be lost, which in turn leaves us without a workforce
For example; we need doctors, farmers, drivers, pilots, traders and shop keepers to ensure that basic
supplies of food, clean water and healthcare are maintained. Lastly, we could be faced with riots or
even a revolution on our streets, if severe shortages do occur. So, is it wise to risk such a backlash?
On the one hand, the authorities want to stop people from going to markets, pubs, restaurants,
parks and even to the extent of closing offices and other places of work. Understandably, the main
aim is to slow, contain and kill the virus. However, many experts believe when such measures are
too severe, it cuts off the ‘oxygen’ or economic activity that is needed to keep us functioning.
Additionally, it creates an atmosphere of tension where people feel they are cut-off from their
families and friends. Lastly, our loved ones are essential part of our existence and sense of normality.
Therefore, the authorities ought to strike a balance and allow moderate social distancing and some
vital economic activity, which may not be ideal, but this may be the only viable option. This sadly
means that some elderly people will not survive, but is this worse than when a country can no longer
function or feed itself? Thus, it is reasonable to assert that the consequence of harsh restrictions is
very likely to cause far more harm than good.
On the other hand, large gatherings and influx from travel can drastically increase infection and rapid
spread of pandemics. This view is supported by what we have witnessed in some countries, where
most of the population have ignored advice and carried on with their social lives carelessly. In such
an environment, a larger percentage have died as a result. Washing hands regularly and wearing a
face mask is also a wise precaution. However, many health professionals have said that a vast
majority of the population will only experience mild symptoms for a brief period and then recover.
Indeed, reports from family doctors and hospitals appear to support this view. Furthermore, once
recovered, people generally have resistance to further infection and thus the risk of passing the virus
on is greatly reduced and infections decline. This is what is widely known as herd immunity. Such
evidence, should cause governments to refrain from imposing too many restrictions on people who
need to carry on working, generating income and being in contact with their families.
In summary, we can see that moderate restrictions on human interaction and business activity, does
not rapidly increase the spread of viruses, or cause large numbers of people to die, but rather helps
the wider population develop an immunity. Thus, this approach limits the impact of the virus on the
whole world, as nations are able to recover economically and socially. So, is there a silver lining in
this current crisis? It might take weeks, months or years for that to become apparent. So for now, I
will leave that up to you to decide.
PART 1: TRUE – FALSE – NO INFORMATION
1: The author believes in a balanced and measured approach to tackling this disease. TRUE
2: Modest restrictions on human interaction rapidly increases the spread of epidemics. FALSE
3: Once recovered, people generally have resistance to further infection. TRUE
4: The author believes that every cloud has a silver lining. NO INFORMATION
5: Large gatherings and influx from travel can greatly decrease infection. FALSE
6: Herd immunity means the risk of infecting other people is greatly increased. FALSE
7: The end result of extreme restrictions is very likely to cause more harm than good. TRUE
8: You should wash your hands 3 times a day. NO INFORMATION
9: The author believes that governments should not impose too many restrictions. TRUE
10: The author agrees with the government’s view that onsite businesses should be closed. FALSE
11: Wearing a face mask is the best protection against the Coronavirus. NO INFORMATION
12: Shortages will not create any problems. FALSE
Part 2: GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TEXT
1: Name some of the effects of the Coronavirus as mentioned in paragraphs 1, 2 & 3?

The closing of businesses, schools and other operations on site, and having to move to online
working; social distancing, an atmosphere of tension.
2: Why do governments want to impose restrictions? To avoid the virus transmission
3: Why do some companies and experts believe that extreme restrictions will be counterproductive?
Because there won´t be economic activity and it promotes an atmosphere of tension.
4: Why is some sensible social distancing needed? To avoid transmission.
5: Besides social distancing, what other precautions should be taken, as mentioned in paragraph 4?
Washing hands regularly and wearing face masks.
6: What is herd immunity? Resistance to further infection and thus the risk of passing the virus on is
greatly reduced and infections decline.
7: What does the English proverb mean? ‘Every cloud has a silver lining’ That every sad or difficult
situation has a comforting or hopeful aspect.
8: Why does the author think that it’s important to have a workforce? To ensure that basic supplies
of food, water and healthcare are maintained.

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The Coronavirus Pandemic -

Every cloud has a silver lining

PART 1: TRUE – FALSE – NO INFORMATION

3: Once recovered, people generally have resistance to further infection. TRUE

8: You should wash your hands 3 times a day. NO INFORMATION

12: Shortages will not create any problems. FALSE

Part 2: GENERAL QUESTIONS ABOUT THE TEXT

1: Name some of the effects of the Coronavirus as mentioned in paragraphs 1, 2 & 3?

2: Why do governments want to impose restrictions? To avoid the virus transmission

4: Why is some sensible social distancing needed? To avoid transmission.

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