Editorial: From gloom to hope

The threat of SARS-CoV-2 is continuing to bedevil the country and its citizens, limiting their freedom and hindering the operation of society and the economy.

It appears that it will be an active threat for quite a long time.

The next six months certainly will be tortuous and the deadly virus will exploit existing fissures to seep into our communities and neighbourhoods, leaving much pain and tears in its wake.

Even once a vaccine is made available thousands of our fellow citizesn will still be at risk of losing their lives.

Yet, despite these particular and especially threatening circumstances justifiable hopes for a different future are emerging.

Even in the current, gloomy environment there are optimistic signs and messages that are sufficient to persuade one that there will be a period of robust reconstruction and resourcefulness after the end of the pandemic.

The global scientific community is coordinated and well-funded and in a few months it will have at its disposal a host of tools with which to combat the epidemic.

European and international financial authorities have exhibited a decisive stance, recognising the magnitude of the threat and transcending the ideological orthodoxy that has often hindered the sort of mobilisation that circumstances require.

This was demonstrated by the bold and generous decision of the European Central Bank to further bolster fiscal tools in order to offer embattled economies a breather.

The bond repurchase programme will be extended through 2022.

Moreover, at the December 10-11 EU summit a deal was struck on both the Recovery Fund and the Union's seven-year budget.

That opens the way for funds to flow to Greece and poorer countries.

Meanwhile, there must...