The Positive Aspects of COVID-19

The world came to a standstill when the novel coronavirus started its undefined spread. Sprouting from the city of Wuhan in China, the fast spread growth didn’t seem to stop.

It was not long before we could see the world map dotted with cases all around the world. With people in their homes due to lockdowns, millions of jobs lost, and a possibility of a global recession coming up, there is uncertainty everywhere.

Since dwelling on the negatives won’t do any good, I decided to look at the slightly better and positive aspects of this crisis.

1. Stronger Bonds Were Built

The pandemic forced the government to impose countrywide lockdowns to contain the spread of the virus and to ensure effective social distancing to flatten the curve. (1)

Parents, children, and grandparents all being home at the same time created an opportunity for bonding and connecting with each other. Children have started to play board games again, grandparents and grandchildren are watching mythological shows together, and families are dining and eating together. However far the virus might have made us go, it definitely brought people closer.

2. Earth Is Breathing Free

The lockdown forced many factories and refineries to shut down, which led to lesser pollutants, effluents, and industrial waste being released in the air, lakes, and rivers.

The emission of hazardous gases such as CO2 and methane reduced to half, dolphins were seen swimming in the canals in Venice, and the Indian river of Ganga became clear. (2)

Again, people could see the Himalayas from their balconies due to the clearing up of the air, all because the environment got a new chance to breathe. (3)

3. Tech and Innovation Bloomed

Being stuck at home during the lockdown with plenty of time to kill has provided the opportunity for people to think and create.

I came across so many of these hackathons and innovation challenges, where you get to meet people, youngsters all ready with their thinking caps on, coming up with tangible and sustainable solutions – each unique and unparalleled in its own sense. The lockdown not only did bring out the good in individuals but launched creative solutions for the community, too. (4)(5)

4. Education Became Accessible

With schools and colleges closing due to lockdown, children are now enrolled in online classes conducted through digitalized platforms.

This improved the scope of learning from various educational avenues on the Internet such as language learning apps, coding learning classes, and platforms such as edX and Coursera, instead of just the standard textbooks. (6)

Students could learn at their own speed, explore more courses, and access education from notable universities and schools from any corner of the world. (6)

5. Social Awareness and Community Service Increased

This pandemic fostered a sense of empathy and responsibility toward those who don’t have the necessary means to survive these difficult times.

People from all around the world enlisted for virtual and on-ground volunteer work with relief organizations. Students learned how to collaborate and work with a diverse group of people in a bid to create positive change for millions of underprivileged around the world. (7)(8)

6. Mishaps and Accidents Reduced

Lockdowns may have caused borders and roads to close, but this brought its own benefits. Road accident fatalities have decreased by 8% compared to the previous year, which amounts to nearly 23,400 lives saved. Thus, as deathly as the pandemic is, this lockdown has certainly saved quite a few lives.

7. Health and Hygiene Became a Priority

During the pandemic, people understood the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle and how maintaining hygiene plays a pivotal role in one’s life. (9)

I came across various exercise regimens on social media platforms and also saw millions of people trying it and getting fitter and better during the lockdown.

People definitely worked on their flexibility and diet that their body was asking for but only got during the lockdown. (10) Also, people started washing their hands more frequently, as well as cleaning and keeping each corner of their homes spic and span. Sanitizers also became a must-have.

8. Local Business Got a Boost

The lockdown might have forced malls and shopping centers to close down, but it gave a much-needed boost to local businesses that had been eclipsed by these corporate giants.

People now rely upon their nearby departmental store to restock their groceries and other basic amenities. This has helped small struggling businesses grow in a market that was otherwise dominated by hypermarkets and supermarkets.

9. Working and Productivity Increased

Lockdowns prompted offices and companies to shut down to ensure the safety and health of their workers, who now have to work from home. Working from home has its own challenges, but it has its perks, too. For starters, you will never be late to work. Plus, all your coworkers are just a click away.

Some lucky ones can even enjoy flexible working hours. This new way of working is a lifesaver for both the employer and the employee: the company is happy that the business does not suffer, while the employees are happy to retain their source of income in these tough, unpredictable times.

Final Word

If we take a closer look at the current situation, we cannot say that the pandemic is so gloomy after all. It may have cons, but it does have some pros, too.

Look at the brighter side and stay strong. The pandemic will go in its own time and there’s little we can do about it, but keeping a positive approach would certainly help in sailing through easily.