A Few Things Coronavirus Taught Us

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The virus outbreak that emerged in Wuhan, China created a global emergency in front of which, as some might expect, the states were not prepared. With media’s reports and WHO declaring the rapidly spreading virus a pandemic, the people developed an overwhelming feeling of panic through social contagion. 

From negation to anxiety and fear, the situation is rapidly changing as the states are taking extreme measures to contain the virus. So, what can be learnt so far from watching, listening to, and witnessing this crisis? 

Learning solidarity through deeper society bonds

When the outbreak started to become more serious, Italy was one of the countries that took preventive measures to manage it - and was the first European country to ban flights to and from China. Yet, the situation got somehow out of control culminating with the country being put on lockdown. 

Prior to criticizing their handling, one must understand that the Italian culture is contoured - between others - around family, music and food. Those priceless social bonds and the traditions that keeps them active, out of their houses enjoying an extended network of friends. Enjoying an expresso at the terrace down their flat, joining various events and gatherings, is part of most’ daily life. Even when quarantined, as opposed to other cultures who fell deeper into boredom and loneliness, those customs have thrived. As a seed of joy, I highly recommend this video in case you’ve missed it. 

It was heartwarming to observe that those ties that brought the people together in Italy, slowly become visible also in more introvert societies. Countries have mobilized themselves through endless solidary actions and the random individual become more considerate of the other. Luxembourg, for example, a place where individualism is quite pronounced at times, has put in place numerous initiatives in favor of the vulnerable members of society. From assisting with dog-walking and grocery shopping to supporting lone elders, people who until a short while ago never exchanged a word begun creating bonds.

Understanding that one’s action can impact many lives through a chain effect, triggered a sense of responsibility and altruism. It is due to this unfortunate event that people dared to move beyond their comfort zones towards building meaningful communities and deeper connections.  

Don’t take things for granted

One of the precautionary measures imposed by governments to contain the infection was restricting the freedom of movement.  Perhaps this doesn’t relate much with a citizen of a non-European country who never knew different, but for a European who relied on traveling on a permanent basis, who maybe crossed a border every day in his way to work, or used to take a holiday abroad often, this a disastrous proceeding. 

For the new generations - that never faced a border check long-landing interrogations in a foreign airport, or worst, become acquainted with the corruption of a custom official - these governmental actions might seem severe. Nevertheless, maybe now we will become more empathetic of those who encounter these as normality, and we will learn to treasure how fortunate we are. 

At the same time, we should be aware that the events with the most catastrophic consequences start from something apparently insignificant - a war might start from a seemingly ridiculous reason and a catastrophe from a naïve mistake. 

Doctors are important pillars to our societies

Italian nurse Elena Pagliarini

COVID-19 outlined the importance of doctors and medical staff. The media is flooded with moving stories from health professionals activating on the frontlines of the outbreak. In spite of a shortage in personnel, these humans are fiercely risking their lives by putting the others first. They treat people according to their complications, regardless of societal status.  From children, random professionals to officials, law-enforcement officers and military staff. Yet, the latter benefits of special allowances while doctors should practice their profession out of a humanitarian spirit. 

There are indeed some policies in action concerning the special allowances for the front-liners, but this comes just as a tool of motivation in critical times and not out of a genuine appreciation. As if it would be so, the policymakers would not need such a crisis to pay their respects towards those heroes. 

And if you tend to think that doctors should not naturally benefit of special/additional allowances or be more rewarded, just imagine a world without them.

Learning to cope with free forms of entertainment

There is no question that consumerism is deeply inflicted in our societies. We have a desire of owning and obtaining in excess things that are not necessarily needed. For this matter, entertainment is just another face of this mass-consumerism. The media and the commercials that drove people into creating crowds for purchasing things just so to be part of a system. The countless entertainment programs and venues that consequently become of a lower quality over the years. The evolution of modern entertainment and its lack of significance. All these involuntarily forced us in taking part to something that doesn’t resonate with our true inner selves and needs. Thus, becoming continuously unfulfilled, lonely and depressed. 

The current quarantine taught many people that it is possible to find free, natural ways of entertainment. That is possible to communicate more with our dear ones and that we can be actually creative. Do we really need situations like this to realize that we can actually survive without shopping malls?