Epidemics have interfered in the course of history before, sometimes even in a radical or non-obvious way. It took only three months for the COVID-19 to migrate from the Chinese city of Wuhan to take root in other countries and continents. The coronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 4 million lives, closed borders, and hit the global economy (Who coronavirus (COVID-19) dashboard). It has affected everyone personally and in society, creating a new reality for billions of people.
Following the announcement of a pandemic by the World Health Organization, countries are introducing quarantine measures one after another to limit the spread of the virus. Quarantine involves the closure of schools, universities, the transition to remote work, study, the cancellation of public events, the closure of public catering, and the cancellation of flights. Most students are studying remotely, and large corporations have independently introduced the work from home format (Giuntella et al. 7). However, it seems that all these changes, firstly, are small and not radical in the long term. Secondly, they are in the trends that started before the pandemic. Hence, the trends that were going to happen eventually developed a little faster.
In addition, the pandemic has shaped new habits and beliefs in people. They began shopping online during self-isolation and took part in online events (Giuntella et al. 7). Most importantly, many began to pay more attention to their hobbies and psychological state and monitor their diet carefully. Against the backdrop of constantly changing official data, many citizens have lost confidence in governments. This is especially true for countries where populists are in power. The coronavirus puts an end to populists and returns fashion to professional politicians.
COVID-19 did not destroy the old and did not create the new. It rather exposed and sharpened what had hitherto been in the ‘shadows.’ In the future, the companies and employees who will be successful are those that can develop flexibility, the ability to adapt to the most unpredictable circumstances. The states whose economies are diversified and do not depend on only one sphere will be the most powerful. Thus, the pandemic will be remembered in history as a phase for a shift to flexibility and diversity.
Works Cited
Giuntella, Osea, et al. “Lifestyle and Mental Health Disruptions during COVID-19.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, vol. 118, no. 9, 2021, pp. 1–9.
Who Coronavirus (COVID-19) Dashboard. World Health Organization.