Ever since the outbreak of coronavirus (or Covid-19) our lives have been turned upside down. Businesses have closed, people have lost their jobs, and children can no longer go to school. Although our lives have changed since the coronavirus struck, it does not mean that it will last forever.
Because of the coronavirus pandemic, the whole world has to be on lockdown until the government decides it is safe for us to come out of our homes. Borders have been shut and no one is allowed to leave their homes except if it is for essential needs such as groceries, medicine or exercise.
We have to ensure that we thoroughly wash our hands for 20 seconds as frequently as possible to help reduce the spread of this new virus.
We now practice social distancing by which we stand 2 metres apart from other people. The elderly and people with underlying health problems have been told by the government to self-isolate for 12 weeks to prevent them from contracting Covid-19.
Many train stations were closed and others are empty because of the millions of people who are now working from home.
This deadly virus has forced us to stay away from families and loved ones who may be vulnerable to catching the disease.
We wear gloves and face masks to protect ourselves and others from getting infected by Covid-19. So with all the changes and sacrifices we have made to live through this worldwide pandemic, will face masks become the new normal after the outbreak?
Some people think that it will and the mayor of London, Sadiq Khan has been trying to persuade the government to make it compulsory for people to wear face masks when they board public transportation.
People have certainly changed their lifestyles since the coronavirus outbreak.
- People no longer greet each other by shaking hands.
- People have been stockpiling on hand sanitizer, tissues, toilet paper, and hand wash and other essential items. Antibacterial wipes and thermometers have sold out.
- The government has banned public gatherings such as weddings, festivals, parties, and other social gatherings. Pubs, restaurants, and night clubs have all been shut down to discourage public gatherings.
- People cannot visit or hang out with friends anymore. They have to stay at home.
- Many countries all over the world are on lockdown and have banned international flights.
- The closure of restaurants and pubs have led to some people drinking more alcohol. On the other hand, others have taken this time to drink less and start living a healthier lifestyle.
- Grocery stores are now limiting the number of people that can go inside to shop. Long queues are now formed outside of stores in which customers have to stand 2 meters apart from each other and wait until it is safe for them to enter.
- Online shopping has increased significantly since the coronavirus struck.
- International flights have been canceled. No one is allowed to travel until this pandemic comes under control.
- Millions of people have been forced to work from home and children now do all of their learning online.
- More people are wearing face masks when they go out.
So how long do we have to live this new reality and when will it end?
No one knows when this deadly pandemic will end, but I can definitely say that it will not last forever. We have experienced other outbreaks such as the Swine Flu pandemic which lasted for 16 months from April 2009 to August 2010 and the SARS (Severe acute respiratory syndrome) outbreak which lasted for 2 years from 2002 to 2004. And just like these two diseases, the coronavirus pandemic will also come to an end. Until then, keep washing your hands, stay home and stay safe.
