Lessons we can learn from Coronavirus and the way forward

Jun 2, 2020

The world is composed of 195 countries which are demarcated by boundaries on the map. Despite this, the world is a gigantic global village which is connected by technology, telecommunications, inter-dependent economies and efficient transportation systems. As a result, an economic crisis in a country (especially established and emerging superpowers) affects all the inter-connected economies. The repercussions are felt globally.

A novel coronavirus (Covid-19) believed to have emerged from Wuhan, China, has spread uncontrollably and has affected more than 188 countries in the world. More than 6.1 million people have contracted the virus and 370 thousand people have succumbed to it. The governments and international organizations are battling to contain the spread by imposing lockdowns, requesting citizens to practice social distancing and taking every other precautionary measure. All this has a cost to it - the economic cost. Recession is eminent and according to experts, the situation at present is worse than the 2008 crisis. These are unprecedented and uncertain times and tension is palpable all around. However, there are some valuable lessons which this crisis presents and we must imbibe and act on them so that we emerge stronger, transformed and better prepared.

The one thing which people have realized is that they only need essentials to survive. Everything apart from this is nothing but, us, humans being lured by their never ending wants and desires. Lockdowns around the world have forced shopping complexes, restaurants and cinema halls to be shut and have disrupted global supply chains. This has made the availability of every non-essential commodity virtually non- existent. People are grateful as long as they are able to get bare-minimums such as - groceries and vegetables. In future, I feel we all should be conscious of what we buy and whether those items really required.

Physical and mental well-being is vital for any life-form to function effectively. The pandemic has highlighted the inadequate healthcare infrastructure around the world. Lack of healthcare professionals and support staff, shortages of hospital beds, insufficient ventilators and PPE kits are all matters of grave concern. All these issues should be enough for us to prioritize health over anything else. Once we emerge from the coronavirus crisis, governments should constitute task-forces to bring out the inadequacies in the present healthcare systems and take necessary actions to enhance and improve the healthcare infrastructure. This would ensure preparedness incase a situation like this occurs in the future.

As a result of being confined to their houses, people are getting more time to enjoy and spend time with their loved ones. Working parents now have time to interact and indulge in activities with their children. With the chaotic and monotonous routines of people coming to a halt, they are finding new and creative ways to keep themselves entertained and busy. Whether through pursuing a new hobby and showcasing it on social media, cooking new recipes and baking cakes, reading novels, or binge-watching shows, people are engaging in activities for which they did not ‘seem’ to have time before. Many have started to appreciate the small things around them, such as - watching sunsets and enjoying the clear blue skies. I hope they are able to squeeze time for these activities even when the situation becomes normal and they return to their old routine.

‘Some’ nations, leaving politics behind, are making sincere efforts to unite in this grim situation to battle this deadly virus. Scientists around the world are collaborating and racing against time to find a cure for the virus. Over 100 countries have joined or expressed interest in joining the ‘solidarity’ trial by WHO to assess the relative effectiveness of various drugs under clinical trial in treating the virus. Nations are stepping forward in creating relief funds, the proceeds of which shall be used to coordinate global efforts in mitigating the impact of the virus and aiding other nations in dire need of funds to combat the virus. Moving ahead, this world unity is crucial as this is in the best of interest of communities, and even nations in the long run.

Lastly, the utmost important lesson is that life is fragile. No matter what feats mankind may have achieved or how scientifically advanced it may have become, we are inconsequential objects in this vast, boundless universe. Well, after all, who had thought a microscopic object could wreak havoc and make the entire world kneel before it? Not only this, India’s east coast faced Cyclone Amphan which caused a lot of damage and destruction to both lives and property, Delhi and surrounding areas experienced 2-3 low intensity earthquakes within a short span of time leading scientists to predict an impending high intensity quake and the worst locust swarm attack in decades. Perhaps, all this is nature’s way of telling us to mend our ways and to let the Earth breathe again. Pollution dropping to its lowest level in decades, rainbows blessing the skies for us to admire and birds flocking to beaches are glimpses of an alternate, much beautiful world had we not been selfish enough so as to pursue heedless development and growth.

In the end, I earnestly hope that normalcy returns at the earliest and we emerge victorious by abiding by these invaluable teachings.

Until then, stay safe and healthy!