You scratch my back and I’ll scratch yours!

In this time of coronavirus, the need for man to show consideration to and help his fellow man has never been more important. Regrettably, we are seeing the opposite of this, with scammers and fraudsters using this period of uncertainty to take advantage of the vulnerable. Some governments have though provided much needed assistance to their citizens during this difficult time. The UK government, for instance, has done its bit and provided a lifeline to many employees by paying 80% of their monthly salaries while they are unable to work because of the pandemic. However, this furlough assistance will come to an end on 31 October 2020 and what then? The sad reality is that many of these same employees will be made redundant by their employers. It is at such a time that we should show our compassion to our fellow man not just because it is the right thing to do, but also because it is in our self-interest to do so. We have to realise that national governments can only do so much to make their citizens' lives at least bearable during this international crisis. The rest of the responsibility lies with us, as citizens.