We all dream of a future where we can still bask peacefully under the sun. For us, and for the generations to come, this simple dream lives on. However, life as we know it, is full of challenges and hurdles we must overcome. Take the coronavirus pandemic as an example—we’re being cornered on how to cope up with life after the contagion. Tomorrow is uncertain, and we must not take today for granted. There are crucial facets that COVID-19 has affected. Among the heavily impacted facets of our lives are:
Work and Livelihood
One of the hardest decisions to make is whether to continue working amid COVID-19 threat or not. Remaining employable alone is tough enough. What more if we’re forced to work to sustain our families? Thus, home-based jobs can be our new normal after COVID-19. The demand for remote jobs is rising and employers are likely to adopt this setup to cope up with the market as well. Businesses all over the world have now experienced how efficient remote workforces are. Aside from quality work, they pay less for the overhead costs.
Travel
To avoid transmission of the deadly virus, travel bans on various parts of the world are still imposed. World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) released a statement saying that 96% of the world’s destinations are currently impacted by travel restrictions and other strict lockdown measures. While the contagion continues to spread, keeping a safe distance from the pleasures of traveling is highly ideal. As stated by Bloomberg in a report, Delta Air Lines Inc.’s Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastian stated that the estimated recovery period of the airline sector could take two to three years. Because of safety protocols, traveling after COVID-19 may be much harder than it is before.
Banking
It’s a splendid thing they came up with online banking a few years back. Aside from convenience, it offers a reliable, direct way of transacting, too. However, as agreeable as it sounds, central banks across the globe are absorbing most of the damage COVID-19 has brought to the economy. As reported by The New York Times, central banks have been imposing emergency rate cuts to cushion their economies as coronavirus threatens international growth. Thus, affecting the consumers—like a domino effect.
Community
COVID-19 took its toll on the mental health of many individuals. As communities close due to lockdown measures, they feared how to sustain themselves, relying on the government alone. Since the pandemic affected logistics, importing goods from neighboring cities has become difficult. Leaving millions of individuals unemployed, homeless, and starving, the pandemic continues to show no sign of slowing down soon. Will this be the new normal? All the society can do for now is to keep united and hopeful that a better tomorrow will eventually come.
Living Through and After the Pandemic
Months into strict lockdown, we’re already witnessing how this dire situation affects the lives of many. How we work and do our businesses before is not the same as now. With our current state of living, questions arise: shall we reinvent the way we work and live? Let’s face it—the normal life that we know of has failed. Back then, despite being pandemic-free, businesses still struggled to thrive in the Philippine market. Our former circumstances impoverished individuals and families. Further, homelessness is rampant. By keeping an eye on what matters the most—which is our people—we can rebuild a stronger society and live a better life after COVID 19.
Photo by Lisa Fotios from Pexels
