‘The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated’
This is of course the text of a cable sent by Mark Twain from London to the press in the US after his obituary had been mistakenly published.
I find myself in the same strange situation, issuing a rebuttal:
‘The reports of the death of Express Healthcare are greatly exaggerated’
Subscribers of Express Healthcare have emailed asking for their copies since April.
That’s because we had to honour the national lockdown to break the chain of infection and decided not to print editions as there was no way to dispatch copies with the postal system disrupted too.
We went completely digital, focused on reporting on the pandemic while working from home, with twice a week newsletters to our database.
Our social media presence escalated and all was going well.
Just as we hoped to return to office and a ‘new normal’, we got that sinking feeling.
Of a wily virus, rebounding back in waves.
And thus, we had to make some difficult decisions till we conquer SARS-CoV2, the virus causing the COVID-19 pandemic, or at least learn to live with it.
To all our friends who called and emailed to verify the rumours that Express Healthcare was shutting down, thank you. It seems we need to build our immunity to fake news as much as the virus!
Your disappointment in our reported demise and relief that we are still around is very heartening.
Especially as we are a dedicated health portal, in the midst of a global health crisis.
As we prepare for a phygital future, do continue to email me with suggestions and story ideas.
Till then, find us at www.expresshealthcare.in and @ExpHealthcare.
viveka.r@expressindia.com
viveka.roy3@gmail.com