Amidst this coronavirus pandemic the world is feeling a lot of anxiety and stress. People are feeling a range of emotions. The people who have lost their lives and their loved ones being the hardest affected. Those suffering with the virus not knowing if they will fully recover. The thousands of people around the world in a 14-day isolation. Millions more in countries that have issued lockdowns or “stay-at-home” directives. Basically, everyone on earth, the seven billion-plus people are going through this viral outbreak. Together.
The unknown of how long this will last adds to the uncertainty. Medical professionals the world over stating it will get worse before it gets better. The death toll and number of cases rising every hour. Hardest hit nations like US, UK, Brazil, Italy, France and Spain are experiencing catastrophic death tolls. Sadly, with more to come. Hospitals in Italy at one point far past capacity. Doctors deciding who to treat in some cases with hospitals running out of critical supplies.
The saying goes, “tough times don’t build character, it reveals it.” On one side there are people – mostly the younger generation who feel a sense of invincibility – that are not taking this pandemic seriously enough. Ignoring social distancing rules. Going about their daily lives. Travelling to the beach on spring break. Hanging out with friends. Going out to buy that all important video game.
The other side, which thankfully appears to be the majority, are following the advice and guidelines of health professionals and governments. Washing their hands; staying at home other than trips to the grocery store, pharmacy or going to work, for those who can’t work from home and still have a job to go to.
While health concerns are the priority, the global economic downturn is another major impact. Thousands of businesses shutting down. Millions of employees being laid off. Not knowing when they will be able to return to work. Unsure how they will pay their bills if they have enough money for food. A global recession a certainty as predicted by financial experts. Over a trillion dollars lost in the stock market in a matter of days earlier on.
So much heartache. The onslaught of news overwhelming. Mental health being tested, daily. Despite the horrific circumstances and those who downplay this as media hype and ignore the guidelines there are stories of people supporting one another.
In these politically toxic times with hyper-partisanship and social media breeding further hostilities, dividing people further, people do see us as one giant collective. Strangers helping neighbours who can’t get groceries. Messages of thanks to front line workers in the battle against this invisible threat.
You wonder what lessons society will learn once this pandemic drifts away in the rear-view mirror. Will governments see the need to be better prepared for the next virus outbreak? Hospitals, supply chains, staffing. Will leaders not ignore the warnings and be honest with citizens instead of downplaying the potential threats? Will social distancing, rigorous handwashing be as common as brushing your teeth? Will fear be heightened causing people to avoid large gatherings and to live in isolation even more than they are now? Will people see the importance of coming together to combat things like climate change, intolerance, hate and misinformation?
Or as the memory of this time fades away will people forget this dark patch in history? Will people just be glad to return to a routine: Going to work, getting together with family and friends? Not think twice about shaking hands or hugging? Not obsessively disinfecting your hands every time you touch something.
All these questions remain unanswered as we are still in the eye of the viral storm, but once a new normal emerges will COVID-19 be a turning point, a watershed moment for our fractured world or just a blip in time as we all just go back to the way it was?
Nelson’s Notes 