Enlightenment in the light of the Covid-19 crisis

What a time to be alive! Social distancing during Covid-19 allows for enough time for reflection. The Coronavirus started as an uncertain and facetious idea that woke us all and shook us into action. It began as a slow burning issue but now has countries reeking of chaos. There is a projection of recession, stock markets are crumbling, and panicking has become the new norm. Though Wuhan, China (Ground zero) has started to gradually rise to health, the repercussions will affect the economy and the general mental and physical health of all countries that were infected.

People who are freelancers, self-employed and unemployed are getting a hard hit at this time. Businesses that are in less demand currently are suffering such as non-essential commodities and entertainment industries. In many countries, persons have panic bought supplies, privileged ones have over-bought and have left little or nothing for others to get.

Many are vulnerable especially first responders, immunocompromised and elderly people. Numerous people have even died all over the world because of this virus. Though many authorities such as the WHO (World Health Organization) and governments have assured us not to panic, it is inevitable for several to do so. This is especially because there is an overwhelming number of updates on all social media platforms about the novel virus and it is almost second nature to keep checking our devices. Many are losing sleep and are restless because of this pandemic; they are getting sick by just the news itself.

Throughout all of this we are all urged to practice social distancing and self-quarantining, or isolation based on our health status. Apart from practicing good hygiene, keeping updated by the news and for many of us dying of boredom at home, we can also do some serious reflection. Do we think that after this pandemic there will be somewhat of a better world? That Covid-19 would have scared us into being do-gooders; ones who look out especially for our elderly, unprivileged and immunocompromised, ones who stay hygienic and ones who see the need to living healthy and wholesome lives. What would a world like this look like?

Even in this pandemonium, have we noticed that organizations and individuals are now increasingly leaning on virtual communication as their alternative? Covid-19 has forced many companies to either construct their meetings in an email or hold virtual meetings. This virus has lowered thousands’ carbon footprint. Non-essential travel has stopped and there has been much thought to general prioritization. Both the transportation and sanitation agencies have come to see the importance of sanitization and have both increased their level of cleaning public spaces. Environmental consciousness has been taken more seriously even though all of it had to be forced by a dilemma.

If we survive this pandemic, and I hope we will, we must commit to becoming better humans for the sake of the survival of our humanity. We must learn from it and never forget what the novel virus has taught us. Afterall, good hygiene, low carbon footprints and concern for vulnerable people are all skills we should have been practicing a long time ago. Even the will to endure and national cooperation has been key things that I have seen throughout this time. Reflect on how the world would look like if we focused on these lessons.

As we continue to weather this disaster, I implore you to reflect at this moment. Take the time out to meditate, spend time with your families if you can and practice good hygiene. I know for sure that after this pandemic issue, it cannot go on as life-as-usual. The world has experienced enough through this time to reflect and ‘wheel and come again’ as we say in Jamaica.

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