When the strange coronavirus pandemic struck, many people were stranded because they had never experienced such a thing. Many nations panicked and closed the foreign access ways and scrambled inwards to safeguard their livelihoods. This invisible foe has, however, ravaged the borders to cause far-reaching harm.
Indeed, some countries began blaming others for the pandemic outbreak, and some rows erupted and triggered geopolitical tensions. However, according to the way coronavirus has impacted the entire planet, people are united to fight it, and take a step back to reflect on our lives. The emergence of a vaccine has shone some light on the hope for regaining normality, but already some trends on how people do things like working and traveling have changed.
Inhibited Travels
At the peak of the pandemic, many countries resorted to lockdowns, and road traffic dropped to levels never seen before. For example, in the US, a 70% decrease in the number of vehicles on the road was registered. Also, air travel dropped by approximately 80% globally. Currently, many airlines are struggling to survive, and others have already collapsed.
The travel industry’s future sits on a pendulum, especially if governments do not intervene to offer bailouts during this trying period. The emergence of alternative fuels and electric planes had brought about radical decarbonization, but it seems like tough times are still possible in the coming years if the pandemic continues to ravage the globe.
Major European cities like Rome, Milan, and London have expanded cycling and pedestrian zones to loosen the regulations, but maintain physical distancing. The promotion of cycling or walking has reduced emissions, noise, and general environmental pollution. Electric vehicles will see their prices go down to match those of combustion vehicles.
Work Redefinition
The supply chain and the workforce attract some value, but the coronavirus pandemic has redefined it temporarily. The top leadership in different organizations is no more recognized than the frontline staff and workers. Therefore, teachers, healthcare workers, delivery drivers, and supermarket staff are more valuable.
Coronavirus has exposed some societal inequalities because many employees have lost their jobs. Even the ones who are still working in factories and the transport sector are at risk of contracting the infection. Many white-collar workers are now stationed at home, and so do not have to commute daily because they have some flexible hours for virtual conference meetings and calls.
The new normal has facilitated several institutions to abandon the expensive offices because the new program offers a balance to the employees, thereby enhancing productivity. Even though colleague contact enhances better productivity and mental health, working from home is the only option left. Also, remote training and handling collaborative projects are problematic, and so the pandemic has postponed them.
Health Challenges
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused several health concerns because people stay at home. Some people relied on the movements to maintain body fitness, and others managed addiction, isolation, depression, or stress by going to work and interact with colleagues.
The younger generation is suffering from the effects of the pandemic because a majority of them have experienced severe mental health challenges. Apart from stress, anxiety, loneliness, and depression, some people have suffered from diabetes and high blood pressure. Sitting at home for long hours watching TV has affected some people’s vision, and is now curing several disorders.
The pandemic’s news has also overwhelmed people and to some, the information has triggered hypertension. These days, many people are reporting to hospitals over certain conditions that were not so prevalent before the pandemic. However, water-borne diseases have declined because people are regularly washing their hands.
Induced Hesitation
The pandemic has interfered with almost everything, ranging from health to economy, and even other social activities. People are hesitant to seek frequent health care consultations because no assured attention is granted as all the healthcare workers are focused on the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some infants have missed the routine immunization program, and this might affect their health status in the future. The global economy has taken a deep because many activities have been posed to ensure social distancing. Indeed, some businesses have closed down seeing millions of people lose their jobs.
Governments have spent a lot of money on PPEs, masks, and sanitizers, and now the vaccine. Learning institutions have been closed indefinitely to protect the pupils and students. All these hesitations must be compensated when normalcy returns, and they will strain almost all the industries globally.
Family Time
The pandemic has created enough family time in disguise because parents stay at home with their kids. Familial experiences became better because quarantine strengthened the relationships. However, this has brought about several drawbacks as well. Remote learning for the kids has not been easy, and even finding the sustenance resources for the laid-off parents has been an outstanding challenge. Many families have taken this time to reflect on their lives, and have made some resolutions for the future.