In short...

So far the plague is progressing and the glorified antibiotics from Paris have done nothing to stop the advances. Meanwhile Dr. Rieux is working with a limited quantity of materials to help the whole sick population. It is difficult to imagine the responsibility that he must have set on his shoulders. As a doctor in modern times, one assumes that they will be calm and knowledgeable. Dr. Rieux has been very good at assuming this role and providing for his town.The people of Oran who are working to sanitize the streets of Oran also are serving as a species of workers towards one communal goal. This communal goal is to try to minimize the spread of the disease meanwhile an antidote is being created.