The virus erupted like a blazing volcano, with a mission to melt us all. In November 2019, an outbreak of merely a respiratory illness supposedly spread from the horseshoe bat in a market in Wuhan, China. All of a sudden, it became a worldwide concern – a pandemic.
As we muddle through the second year of this medical catastrophe, a few lessons are beginning to transpire. Some are clear, such as the substantial global shortage of healthcare workers – we owe them a considerable debt. Other lessons are blurry but starting to clear up as the days go by.
Indeed, it’s been a bumpy road, but don’t you think there’s a silver lining to it? Amid the chaos and tragedy, it has taught us the true meaning of life; reminded us what we are, a collection of bones, minus the delusions.
Here, we will shed light on all the eye-openers that came with the pandemic, allowing us to look on the bright side of a chaotic tornado.
- The world is broadly connected
We like to recall this when it relates to us – when discussing the advancement of technology or the global nature of business. All the same, we are connected physically, as evidenced by the rapid spread of the virus worldwide. To think of countries as distinct from one another is fundamentally defective. Once we realize this, we will probably be better off, both spiritually and in our ability to prepare for future pandemics and global calamities.
Furthermore, we’re all aware that today’s public health professionals play a critical role in monitoring global healthcare concerns and appropriate policy-making. Therefore, we need more healthcare providers to take control of future problems. If you want to contribute to society, opting for an MPH epidemiology online will suffice. As a result of this learning, you’ll be able to observe and measure the impact of illness and disease and work to enhance access to improved healthcare resources for people around the world.
- Always keep a cash reserve
You know what they say; desperate times call for desperate measures.
Because of the outbreak, many businesses have gone bankrupt due to a lack of preparedness. This is an essential lesson for everyone since many of us are currently drowning in a sea of financial crises and related problems.
Whether you are an associate, contractor, owner, or employee, you need a robust financial safety net. It is wise to keep at least 100 days of cash reserves/other essential assets in an emergency. That applies to both your business and personal finances. On prime of that, what if the Economic Injury Disaster Loans, Health and Human Services, or the Paycheck Protection Program stimulus were not available the next time? Create solutions for the ‘what ifs;’ you will sleep better at night knowing that you some wiggle room.
- We are social creatures
The pandemic has made us realize how important it is for us to interact and remain connected – another big lesson!
Researchers and psychologists have been saying this for many years – we have a deep desire to be around other people, share ideas, and live our lives. All the pieces of research show that more connected people are healthier and happier in the long run. And since many people were aware of this, now we really know it. For this very reason, social distancing was deliberately changed to physical distancing by the World Health Organization, WHO. Yes, it has been a very agonizingly tricky way of life. We’re following the rules, but it doesn’t feel pleasant or natural. Having done it will perhaps assist us in realizing how vital the “village” is. Additionally, how amazing it is to interact – the handshakes, hugs, and all the other acts of social closeness that make us who we are; humans.
- Technology can save lives – or be a threat
Access to technology is more prominent than ever. The use of the internet and computers during the pandemic is often the only way people can access jobs, education for their children, or offer social support. Now, community-based agencies are encouraged to use client assistance reserves to help people obtain safe technology.
While it might have once been considered a luxury, technology has proven to be a “lifeline” – but also something that abusers can weaponize to wreak havoc. Over the past few months, cyber-crimes have become increasingly prevalent, leading to data theft and personal and business data exposure. Companies and individuals need to be vigilant in beefing up their cybersecurity protocols to ensure data and information security in the future.
- Washing hands actually works
This might come off as silly, but before the contagion, most people might not have known that soap abolishes certain kinds of bacteria and viruses. Now, having done plenty of reading on the subject, many people – and their kids – can probably explain in detail how soap can obliterate microorganisms, including the novel COVID-19. Who knew? Thankfully, now we all do, and we’ll perhaps wash our hands more frequently when all of this is “over.”
- Humanity and goodness exists, even in the darkness
When the upheaval began, there was a shortage of personal protective equipment (PPE) among healthcare facilities. Many healthcare providers were re-using the same disposable masks for weeks at a time. Immediately, community members gathered to procure masks, hand scrub caps, and 3D-printed face shields for the health care workers. Besides that, restaurants started donating food to hospital workers, and people were volunteering to deliver groceries to the elderly. No doubt, these gestures of appreciation and kindness from the community have helped keep us going.
Life will never be the same after – but that’s okay!
These lessons we’re just the ticket; there’s more to come – give it time.
Sure, we’ve immersed ourselves in real-world trials in the powers of scientific connectedness: working from home and telemedicine. These things will probably “stick” with us to some degree and change the way we live. In a way, it’s a blessing for us. In the future, we might be more thoughtful about how we intermingle. But hopefully, we will also feel a sense of gratitude when and if we do get to act normal again.