The Coronavirus infections in the region this week passed the 1,000-mark and brought cross-border truck drivers under the spotlight for being the main cause of the spread. Now member-countries are in talks to put in place a coordinated policy to contain the pandemic though individual countries also have in place tailor-made mitigation responses. The lockdown means that businesses are the biggest victims and the fact that cross-border transporters are now compelled to unload their cargo at the borders, delays are expected to increase the pinch. But as it has been experienced since the beginning of the lockdown, people will be able to move with the flow knowing full well that the government will do all in its powers to ease their pain. One such section of the population has seen their prayers answered; poultry farmers. With the closure of many hotels and restaurants, egg producers have been scratching their heads as to what to do with their products, but now there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The government has announced that it is buying over one million eggs from farmers which will be distributed among vulnerable children under the age of five. In doing so, it will be killing two birds with one stone; on one hand, it will be saving farmers from incurring losses and improving children’s nutrition on the other. That measure is not only taking social protection to another level as early childhood development is critical for a future healthy generation, it is also protecting farmers the best way possible. Now at least they can go to bed with the satisfaction that the government has their back, whatever the circumstances.
