CWNO Historical Archive: Nov. 16, 2020

World Leaders in Panic over Contra Virus Despite Unknown Risk

Nov. 16, 2020- Since the emergence of the Contra Virus just three weeks ago, governments across the globe have taken drastic measures to prevent its spread and limit the potential for catastrophic effects. The virus, first discovered in Brazil, has now been identified in patients on all inhabited continents and scientists and virologists have pointed to this as evidence that the virus is highly contagious. Many fear that if the virus proves to be deadly it would represent a serious threat to humanity.

A once-busy street in New York city is empty as fears of Contra virus led city officials to declare a 3-day stay-at-home order while they deliberated next steps.

It’s these fears that have led many major governments to implement immediate curfews and place strict restrictions on social interactions. Restaurants, shops, and bars across many countries have been forced to shutter their doors, but so far there has been no universal approach to containing the virus and preventing its transmission.

That all changed today at an emergency meeting of the Global Coalition for Peace.

“Drastic measures and aggressive precautions are warranted,” said Canadian Prime Minister Francois Poirot in an address to members of the Coalition that represent 134 countries. “Any hesitancy to immediately address this threat could result in the type of outcome we all dread. But quick action, even if proven over time to be unwarranted, will be remembered as little more than a temporary inconvenience. That makes the choice clear to me, and it should make it clear to everyone else in this room as well. We must be strong. We must be united. We must take action- now!”

In Johannesburg, local officials tour the downtown area before the daily curfew is lifted.

Few leaders at the meeting spoke up to oppose Poirot, and even those who did seemed to hedge their opposition with a general concession that Poirot’s logic could not be denied. At the conclusion of the conference, it was agreed that united and consistent action was warranted across all countries that are members of the GCP.

Outside the conference, however, protesters upset with the decision took to the streets. “This is ridiculous. We don’t know how serious Contra is and we shouldn’t be forced to change the way we live in the interest of being conservative. Science is the only thing that should dictate drastic action, and so far, science hasn’t given us any facts about Contra upon which to act,” exclaimed one of the protest’s leaders who asked that her name remain unpublished.

“This virus could prove to be harmless,” said Nigerian President Osai Aminu in his speech seconding Poirot’s call to action. “But my concern is that if it proves to instead be deadly, we will regret the day we decided to disregard it with a wave of our hands in the interest of protecting ourselves from daily inconveniences.”

In Belfast, a curfew was implemented from 5pm to 10am. Above is an image of a street that is usually bustling with local vendors selling crafts and produce.

Following the Coalition’s agreement that unified action should be taken, a panel of leading scientists presented a number of both “enforceable” and “unenforceable” guidelines. The Coalition will review the suggested actions and develop a list of requirements and recommendations within the next 48 hours.

“Enforceable” actions include those responses that can be mandated and enforced by governments, and include items such as curfews, the closing of certain retail and social spaces, and mandated masks and gloves. “Unenforceable” actions are recommended but cannot be enforced, and include such actions as washing hands, avoiding prolonged conversations within three feet of others, and more.

The panel began its presentation with the most conservative recommendation, which is that all people living within a country be assigned one of four color cards. Each day, each color would be provided a three-hour window during which those with the respective color card can venture beyond their homes for such things as grocery shopping and other necessities. There were audible groans and whispers when the recommendation was made, but it wasn’t long before the panel moved on to less restrictive recommendations.

In Barcelona, police and military personnel patrol the streets in preparation for the day’s pending curfew start.

Markets have slipped into disarray this morning, as many expect unified actions to result in a significant hit to the global economy, including JPX analyst Martin Vulpine. “We expect people to immediately tighten their purse strings,” said Vulpine. “People will be forced into greater efficiency. They’ll cook at home more because they’ll have no other option. They’ll spend less on entertainment, opting for at-home options. Restaurants, bars, and stores will be impacted. Many sectors may collapse entirely.”

The economy was a focus of the Coalition’s discussion, with representatives discussing the far-reaching impact of market destabilization, including increased crime and homelessness rates. But in the end, the Coalition’s decision was clear: better a temporary disruption than a potential extinction level event.