New Delhi: The world has been fighting a constant battle since it has been hit with this life-threatening pandemic. People were not aware of its intensity and ferocity of this virus until it started wreaking havoc all over the world. About 6 million people have come in contact with this deadly virus, and around 3 lakh people have already died battling COVID-19. Moreover, divorce rates and domestic violence cases have increased as people are being forced to stay with the partner they may no longer get along with, have drifted apart from, an abusive partner, or just find it hard to live with. The future of many young children is also at stake as schools and colleges are shut down.
It seems unlikely that this would be over anytime soon. Many people are of the opinion that this virus may never fully go away, we might have to accept this disease which will kill thousands of people every year. We might have to adapt to the new “normal”. But this cannot stop us from getting on with our lives. Even this deadly pandemic has a bright side.
India has been under lockdown since March 24, 2020. The government started providing some relaxations to open up businesses and revive the economy from Lockdown 4.0. What could be better than fighting a life-threatening virus from the comfort of our homes? While diving deeper into the current lifestyle of people all over the world, we have come to know that COVID-19 has balanced our lives, our universe and most importantly our nature.
Starting with basic hygiene, people in India were never big fans of sanitization or cleanliness. Even Swachh Bharat Abhiyan didn’t come close to the impact that COVID-19 has had on people. Everyone has become conscious of their surroundings and have started maintaining cleanliness in and around their houses. It felt like Diwali as everyone picked up a broom and began a cleaning frenzy. The virus at least made everyone more cautious and aware of sanitizing themselves when touching anything outside or coming into contact with other people. This might end up being a habit now inculcated in people for the future.
Who has time to spend with their families in this rapidly pacing world? This pandemic has made us spend quality time with our families locked in our own houses. Whether it’s having hearty conversations, playing games, trying new recipes or learning something new, families have come closer. Online learning and working from home are a new beginning of this epoch. We had been waiting for the time when everything will be available online and within our reach with a meek click of a button. Creativity is booming as people are getting bored at home and are trying out various activities.
COVID-19 has wiped out what governments of many nations have been trying to eliminate for many long years - pollution. With people staying inside, and all factories and businesses at a halt, pollution has decreased up to 50%. There are minimal vehicles operating and all malls, schools and public places have been shut down, helping mother nature to heal. Even the ozone layer has started to nurse back to health. The environmental cycle that had been disturbed for decades now is recovering. The air quality is at its best. The water in rivers is cleaner and free of pollutants. Animals and wildlife are making the most of quiet streets, parks and beaches. Among them are Thailand's rare leatherback turtles, which have built more nests on the quiet shores than at any time in the past 20 years.
Humanity has revived as many famous celebrities donated large sums of money to help those in need. The government is doing its best to support fellow citizens and taking care of their nationals. The leaders and government employees have come forward to contribute their part of salaries to the destitute people. Common people have also distributed meals for the hungry and helped cooperate by staying indoors. Police officials have been working day and night to ensure that people are not roaming around in the streets.
Focus on the silver lining of this situation. The important thing is to stay optimistic as this shall pass soon. You can make most of your time by doing something worthwhile, or get in touch with the hobbies you left behind when you took on such a hectic routine life. Unleash the child in you, and do whatever your heart tells you to, unless it’s going outside, then ask your heart to choose something indoors, as staying home is staying safe.