The pandemic, coronavirus, and the new normal.
The world, as we know it, has changed forever. Today, all of us (well, most of us) live in constant fear of invisible enemies around us. Somehow caught off-guard, we find ourselves navigating through uncharted territory in what feels like an eternity. An unprecedented turn of events for the human species, for sure.
But, the brightest minds amongst us knew this was coming. Scientists have been raising the red flag for years now; in fact.
And yet, here we are.
Ten months in and with no signs of slowing down, the global pandemic continues to rage on, spreading like wildfire. As experts try to make sense of the staggering statistics, the rest of us have just one question in mind.
When will things get back to normal?
Sadly, the answers vary. A panel appointed by the Government of India proposes we can “control” the situation by the end of February 2021. Others are not so optimistic. The dilemma of vaccine production and mass distribution at a global level worries them, not to mention the safety of a rushed vaccine. WHO has even said that there’s a good chance the virus may never go away. People will learn to live with it, like HIV or H1N1 swine flu, they say.
We can already see this happening.
Restaurants and businesses across the globe have reopened on a limited basis. Now, you can pick out clothes at your favorite malls or eat at a new COVID-inspired joint. People can even work out in confined spaces like fitness centers and gyms. Talks of reopening schools and colleges are on the cards as well. Slowly but surely, with several safety measures and strict guidelines put in place, we’ve all begun to adapt to these strange times.
However, the transition has not been smooth- by any means.
Changing consumer habits and spending patterns have affected businesses worldwide. Some flourished, most fell, and millions lost their livelihoods. While economists are still trying to figure out the actual impact of the coronavirus pandemic on the global economy, one thing is for sure- the economy has been dealt a critical blow. An official at the World Bank has said that it might take five years for the economy to return to normalcy.
With hundreds of thousands of infections every day and more than a million victims so far, it’s hard to stay optimistic in the wake of the havoc caused by the novel virus. The mental health crisis that ensued hasn’t helped either.
But, like a wise person once said.
This too shall pass.
We might have to wear masks, regularly wash our hands, and socially distance ourselves in the meantime.
But it will pass.
