COVID 19: TWO SIDES OF THE SAME COIN

As we know our dear Planet; Earth, was facing pandemic of the century, COVID-19 and its still facing it because we have not totally recovered from this pandemic situation. No vaccine has been reported to cure this disease till now. Although several home remedies and precautionary measures are taken to protect ourselves from catching this virus till now. This harmful disease was spreading day by day and the only thing believed to prevent its spread, was lock down. 

Although, we succeeded in this effort but like a coin this situation also had two sides i.e. positive and negative. So, let's talk about this. You just have to spare a few minutes from your busy routine and give this article a quick read. In this article, we are going to explain these two aspects in detail, which are playing significant role in current situation.

POSITIVE IMPACT OF COVID 19

The following are some positive impacts on the planet and humanity;

1. The Environment

The first positive aspect of COVID-19 is the effect on the environment.  Carbon emissions are down globally and with manufacturing and air travel grinding to a halt, the planet has had a chance to rejuvenate.

China recorded an 85 per cent increase in days with good air quality in 337 cities between January and March. With tourists gone from Italy, the long-polluted canals of Venice now appear clear as fish and other wildlife start returning. Elsewhere, wildlife is also reappearing in other major cities and the biodiversity is slowly starting to return in various parts of the world.

2. Peace

The coronavirus is also raising hopes of fewer battles and less conflict, resulting in increased levels of peace. The United Nations called to end all wars in the face of COVID-19 as the world confronts a common enemy: “It’s time to put armed conflict on lockdown,” stated Secretary-General António Guterres.

3. Connectedness

A third positive outcome is a rejuvenated sense of community and social cohesion. Self-isolation challenges us as social animals who desire relationships, contact and interaction with other humans.

However, people all around the world are finding new ways to address the need for interconnections.  In Italy, one of the worst-hit countries, people are joining their instruments and voices to create music from their balconies. People are leading street dance parties while maintaining social distancing.

4. Innovation

COVID-19 is a major market disruptor that has led to unprecedent levels of innovation. Due to the lockdown, so many businesses have had to reinvent themselves with a new 'business as unusual' philosophy.

This includes cafes turning into takeaway venues (some of which also now sell milk or face masks) and gin distilleries now making hand sanitizers.

Many businesses have had to undergo rapid digitization and offer their services online. Some could use this wave of innovation to reimagine their business model and change or grow their market.

5.  Reimagined Education

The fifth positive outcome is massive transformation in education. True, most of it was not by choice. With schools closing down all around the world, many teachers are digitalising the classroom, offering online education, educational games and tasks and self-led learning.

NEGATIVE IMPACT OF COVID 19

The following are some negative impacts on the planet and humanity;

1. Economy

The impact of the disease on society and economy can be witnessed from the lockdown of cities all over the world, labor mobility restrictions, travel bans, airline suspensions, and most importantly slowdown of the economy.

Due to the global outbreak of COVID-19, the global GDP is likely to be affected between 2.3% to 4.8% (ADB, 2020). Additionally, it has also been predicted that the current pandemic outbreak may cause global foreign direct investment to shrink by 5%–15% (UNCTAD, 2020b).

2. Unemployment

The second most important negative impact of COVID 19 is unemployment. The rate of unemployment is increased rapidly. As this situation is faced globally. So, for the developed countries this lockdown thing and work from might worked. And they had managed somehow. 

But, for the developing countries, this situation was the most difficult. Because they don't have enough resources. There are a number of people who on daily wages. And they get their wage when they will work. But during lockdown there was no work for them. They couldn't go outside. 

3. Loss of life 

The most worst effect of Covid 19 on humanity is the loss of the lives of so many innocent people. Globally, 30.8 M cases are reported till date and out of 30.8 M cases 957 K people died. 

The top ten most affected countries of Covid 19 are USA, Italy, Spain, Germany, China, France, Iran, UK, Switzerland and Turkey.

By accounting both sides of the same coin, we came to the conclusion that this pandemic situation is like the phrase of  Darwin's Evolutionary theory 

Survival of the fittest

We are saying that we got time to spent with our families during lockdown and all. But we are saying that because we are alive now. We managed to survive this situation till now and for that we should be thankful to our Lord. 

But just for once think about those who have lost their loved ones, families and everything due to Covid 19. This pademic has changed their lives completely, there is huge difference in their lives after this lockdown. This 6 months time period was the most horrible time for them. 

If you are alive today and reading this article and doing all your routine work. Then be thankful to God. And value your life and use your energy in some positive way. 

- Your Blogger