6 lessons we learned in COVID-19 pandemic
The coronavirus pandemic has truly had cataclysmic effects, the reverberations of which shall be seen for many years to come. History will now be written as pre-corona and post-corona world, with the actual extent and depth of its impact serving to be a matter of study and research for the coming times.
At the same time, the pandemic has been an eye-opener for many and had left all of us with a need to evaluate, analyze, and ponder upon the things we have learned. Here is a list of 6 things that we have learned in the coronavirus pandemic.
1. Some Freedom forsaken for the greater good is necessary
The coronavirus-induced pandemic has been frustrating for all due to long periods of confinement and lack of freedom to travel or move about. There have been arguments and protests against these forced lockdowns, quite vehemently in some countries, stating an obstruction and intrusion in personal freedom. However, on occasions such as these, a need to sacrifice a bit of freedom for the betterment of society and the public as a whole is something that we’ve hopefully learned. As Spock would say, “the needs of the many outweigh the needs of the few”.
2. The internet should qualify as a basic right
According to a study done by the University of Birmingham, the right to Internet access, also known as the right to broadband, should be considered a human right. The pandemic has only emphasized the need for the internet in peoples’ lives. Those residing in developing countries, or countries where the cost of data is astronomical, have struggled to continue work and provide means for their children to attend online education. Such testing times highlight the necessity to be in constant touch with your friends and family, and it is common knowledge that the internet plays a pivotal role in communication these days. An Ellen-style giveaway of the internet for everyone in the country should be considered.
3. Doctors and Researchers deserve a better pay grade
There are two professions who outdid themselves during this pandemic, once again showing the world their significance in society. Working endless shifts, getting minimal rest or sleep, and unfortunately, even having to deal with the abuse and assault from people on many occasions, Doctors and researchers have been the flagbearers of recovery and hope. Hundreds of scientists and millions of doctors scrambled and pushed their limits to find a treatment and help decipher this virus. If movie stars, athletes, and politicians can get made heftily, scientists and doctors deserve a better pay grade as well.
4. Everyone should be able to cook
Hands-down, learning how to cook is one of the most important skills a person can acquire. Not only does it help you save a lot of money, but cooking also provides a sense of independence that is refreshing and honestly, delicious. The lockdown forced people to learn or restart their efforts to cook, having being stuck alone with no help and unable to order from outside. Naturally, social media was flooded with posts of delicious meals, recipes, and preparation videos. Cooking became trending and necessary. Dalgona Coffee anyone?
5. Importance of friends and the virtue of talking to them
The feeling of loneliness that accompanied the lockdown ignited the realization that friends are a blessing in our lives. A situation can be dire or trivial, both cases are made easy and comfortable by just a conversation. Distance is of no consequence in such bonds. Calls, video chatting, watching movies, simply staying connected; necessary.
6. Learn to be content alone
The hustle and bustle of daily life rarely allow us to be with ourselves. There is always something that is keeping engaging to look forward to, but the lockdown is a stark contrast to that life. People thriving on their social skills and feeding off the energy of the party/gathering are now having to slug it alone. This is the best time to introspect, learn more about yourself, do the things that you’ve always wanted to do but did not have time for; reading, binge-watching, or even sleeping. The pandemic has truly though compatible with ourselves.