Millions of people from all over the world have been affected by the coronavirus; thousands have lost their lives, countless households have lost their livelihood, and the economy is tanking. How can anything good come out of a global pandemic like the COVID-19?
I don’t blame you if you’re outraged by the title, especially if you or someone you know has been affected by the coronavirus. I am sorry; I don’t mean to offend anyone. Any loss of life is deeply upsetting, and one death is always one death too many.
Amidst all this chaos, there is still a silver lining. We could all do with a bit of positivity during testing times like this.
The Earth Is Healing
The lockdown is having some positive effects on our planet. The environment is catching its breath.
Limiting travel and industrial activities has led to a reduction in the number of harmful particles emitted in the air. There has been a noticeable drop in the air and noise pollution levels.
According to a report published by Marshall Burke, a Stanford University professor, the reduction in air pollution in China may have saved more lives than the COVID-19 pandemic has cost in the country. According to Burke’s calculations, the reduction in pollution in China over the last two months has probably saved the lives of 4,000 children under 5 and 73,000 adults over 70.
The Venice canals have cleared up due to the lack of boat traffic. Mobs of deer and monkeys are roaming the streets of Thailand and Japan due to the lack of tourist activities. Dolphins have made an appearance along the coast of Mumbai due to the limited movement of large ships.
The coronavirus pandemic has proven that, if we want to, the human race can work together to curb pollution and heal our environment.
It Has Taught Us to Appreciate the Little Things
When all this is over for good, we’re going to enjoy the little things in life. People tend to take all good things for granted. Things that were a part of your daily routine just a month ago are now like a luxury you can’t afford.
Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, we didn’t even think twice before performing mundane tasks such as going out for a walk, hanging out with friends, picking up groceries, stepping inside a crowded elevator, etc. We can’t do these activities anymore. When it’s safe again, we’ll appreciate these little things more.
After this is over, there will come a day when you will go out to a restaurant or a movie theater and what once felt like a totally mundane activity will now be the most wonderful experience.
By the time we get through all of this, we’ll start appreciating the simple bliss in little things.
Coronavirus Has Prepared Us for the Worst
This pandemic has shown us how unprepared we are. The fatality rate of COVID-19 is in low single digits. I don’t mean to scare you, but the next pandemic could very well have a higher fatality rate. COVID-19 could prove to be a saving grace. It can help us to be prepared when something worse hits the human race.
Health has never been a top priority for most countries. The economic fallout caused by the coronavirus will encourage many countries to prioritise health like it has never been before. The sad truth is that nothing inspires progress more than money. Countries might finally start funding research that focuses on improving prevention measures and developing vaccines for viruses like the COVID-19.
What’s Next for Humanity?
These positives can never make up for the devastation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
Stay indoors, stay alert, stay safe, use gloves and face masks, and listen to your government.
Don’t go outside unless it’s absolutely necessary. This may sound harsh, but treat everyone like they have the coronavirus. You’re not being rude, you’re just being careful. Also, don’t take it the wrong way when someone else does the same. They’re just looking out for themselves. Keeping your distance will ultimately help to save lives.
We have a chance to save the world by just staying indoors. How hard can it be?
We are all in this together and we will survive.
Out of nowhere the birds have come out chirping in lockdown silence. It’s beautiful.
Totally! A lot of good has come out of the lockdown. I hope we take care of the nature better after everything is back to normal.
I can’t wait for this to be over a go outside again. But yeah nature has benefited the most due to this pandemic.
What I would give to be able to eat again at my favourite food joint! I, for sure, am missing the little things.