Bermuda is still locked in a battle to gain the upper hand on the coronavirus, which continues to shake even the most powerful nations. With additional loss of life, and increasing infections creating greater challenges for our medical officials, it has become a situation of significant concern for those on the front lines of a struggle that is far from over.

It is amazing that around the world, even with people dying daily, there are still those who question medical guidelines to assist in reducing infections and halting the spread by wearing masks and refraining from large gatherings — a feeding ground for the virus, which attacks without regard for social status or positions of power.

This is a time for deep thought about what is needed to defeat the virus, in addition to mass vaccinations that continue around the world. Deep thought because with lockdowns and curfews, families around the world have been battling another enemy, and that is adjusting to a lifestyle change under stress over serious concerns about economic hardship.

Learning to live in a bubble and trying to keep cool heads to provide children with some degree of hope can be challenging for the best of parents. Since much of this battle occurs behind closed doors, most children experience moments when their world seems to be crumbling, especially when they feel powerless in helping to make things better.

Around the world that part of the pandemic has placed an additional burden on family life, with the added stress of keeping positivity alive, which is a key element in seeking solutions. The inability to move about freely in various social circles is not only a challenge for families, but it weighs heavily on all sections of community life.

The lockdown, which shut the doors of the island’s churches over Easter, left many feeling numb. However, this step was taken by authorities in a continuing attempt to halt further spreading of a virus yet to be brought under control. We in Bermuda are not alone in the struggle to reignite the economy which connects just about every aspect of community life.

A deeply troubling factor is that there are still quite a number of people who are reluctant to comply with health guidelines, and in doing so become a branch of the invisible enemy. Quite similar to soldiers entering the battle zone unaware that many of their comrades are secretly sympathetic to the enemy. That would be a soldier’s worst nightmare.

The battle ahead is going to be tough, and every Bermudian is called upon to make adjustments in lifestyles to get through this storm, which, unlike hurricanes, refuses to move away from our shores.

Apart from economic challenges, we have other serious issues including illegal drugs, gun-related crimes, speeding on our narrow roads and the vital issue of improving public education. The Government will have its hands full in remaining focused on these pressing matters when the dust settles after Covid-19 finally leaves.

While there are many battles ahead, we need first as an island community to approach the pandemic with the unity demonstrated so many times over the years when a massive hurricanes rumbles our way.

No one dares to second-guess the power of a major hurricane. Our island becomes a community where everyone is willing to help others in need of assistance if necessary. That is the spirit we urgently need now to meet the present health dilemma. There is no escape; the ball is in our court.