Death tolls rising, infection rates rising, people crying, hope dying. The whole world has been hit by this catastrophic pandemic. It is all we are surrounded by; we even live in fear of it: STAY HOME! It is all we are bombarded by and it feels we are being imprisoned in our own homes. Only able to leave for exercise or necessary shopping: even that is limited. It feels like we are living in a nightmare that we will not be waking up from any time soon. We wonder when we once again will be liberated and yearn to have our freedom back.

Lockdown, a pain and an inconvenience, is essential in order to prevent the spread of the virus which you surely agree is vital. However, it is the perfect opportunity to catch up on things we miss out on due our daily life routines. As we are forced to stay at home, we are forced to spend unavoidable time with our respective families. Although it may seem that we do this a daily basis already, this is the time to really engage with family members. According to an article written by the Independent Newspaper, on average families in the UK only spend 49 minutes a day together, which lockdown is set to increase. It is important to spend time with family and there are also plentiful benefits to it as well: it ensures string bonds and a blanket of love, support and encouragement which are all essential in these times.

The battle with Covid-19 has also made us more considerate and thoughtful as we call family member and friends, neighbors, colleagues and acquaintances to ensure of their wellbeing. We are finding more fulfilment in receiving a message checking up on you than we would previously. In addition, lockdown has brought more communities together with increasing number of people volunteering to help those especially vulnerable in these times. Many are volunteering to help with local food banks as well as check on elderly neighbors who cannot access shops and buy essentials. 

We are also appreciating those who do essential jobs that keep our country running more and realising and respecting how much they do for us. The country observed a clap for the NHS workers last Friday where we saw the community appreciate how they are putting their lives on the line in order to save others. 

Since we are stuck inside, pollution levels have decreased as we only partake in necessary travel. There have been reduced transport services and less car travels as the majority of the population work from home or do not go to work unless absolutely necessary. Central London, the hub of pollution in the UK has a pollutant level described as low: on a scale of on to ten is rated a two whereas usually, it would be much higher. This is good news considering all the problems associated with pollutions like global warming and health. Now you can go out for a jog knowing that the air you are breathing in is clean.

Social distancing exhibits how much we need others and how comforting it is to have people around and value the presence of others. We crave to go to school and work whereas previously we found it tiring and complained. We have realised how vital daily structure is and we have tried to replicate that in our houses.

Altogether, this pandemic has damaged many aspects of our lives and the world and we have a long road recovery and normality however it has improved many aspects of daily living, it has brought us together as a nation and as nations as never before. Corona virus will be known as the pandemic of the 21st century but could also be known as the pandemic that changed the world for the better?

 

By: Dinah Owiredu