Coronavirus: Why this Pandemic is Much More than a Disease4 min read

Coronavirus has transformed all of our lives in almost every way- the way we work, exercise, socialise, help others, etc. These are some obvious parts of our lives that we have had to change but all over the world, this virus is causing much more to change than you might first think.

Firstly, and most significantly, we are experiencing a real technological revolution where we are all becoming dependent on technology, whether that’s to do our shopping orders, to attend classes or lectures or to communicate with our friends and family.

Now that most of us are forced to work or study online, this could mean that in the future, some people would work from home more often or take more online courses.

The country with the highest number of confirmed cases of coronavirus in the world is facing another record.

Gun sales have spiked in America. Last month, over 2 million guns were sold and the FBI conducted 3.7 million background checks: the highest total since the instant background check programme began in 1998.

On 21 March alone, 210,000 background checks were done: the largest one-day record ever.

But why is this part of America’s response to the virus? On 11 March, the NBA suspended all games and some states (including LA) have allowed gun stores to continue to operate as “essential” businesses despite mandatory lockdown orders affecting around 90% of US business and trade.

It’s not just fears about social-disorder that has caused Americans to rush to gun stores, it’s also concerns over the prospect of changing government gun laws and regulations that could limit their claims of freedom and rights to bear arms, as American people.

Also, many first-time gun buyers say that they fear small civil unrest and take comfort in having a weapon of their own in order to defend themselves if they need to.

In the US, some people consider guns as “essential” for their safety and extend the advice given by the US Government about stockpiling a few days worth of food and basic supplies to include guns and firearms.

Lockdowns around the world are also taking a toll on our mental and physical health. Many of us might struggle with boredom while stuck at home or anxiety about coronavirus but this is extra hard for some people.

People who suffer with OCD, depression and dementia among other illnesses can find it particularly hard to cope with these exceptional times and changes.

The UK’s largest domestic abuse charity, ‘Refuge’, has reported a 700% increase in calls to its helpline in a single day after the start of the Covid-19 lockdown.

Being stuck at home means terrible consequences for some people but there are many services, helplines and websites with ideas and tips on how to stay safe, for people who need help.

Entertainment and media has also been affected. With cinemas now shut, releasing films like the new James Bond film: “No Time To Die” (which had been due to be released in April) has been postponed to 12 November.

Music tours and concerts have all been cancelled or postponed as well, for example, 18-year-old music prodigy Billie Eilish who won 5 Grammy awards this year was due to tour North America this month and has had to cancel all her performances.

However many artists have managed to continue to reach their fans through social media with many now live-streaming performances from their homes.

Despite all the negative outcomes, the decrease in vehicle usage means that the air has become cleaner. Especially noticeable in cities like London; less air pollution has made the ongoing fight against climate change and global warming slightly easier.

Wildlife and biodiversity is flourishing due to less disruption of their habitats. Motorway usage was down by 75% on the first weekend after the start of lockdown.

Less traffic has caused a decrease in roadkills and more animals are feeling emboldened to explore the cities and suburbs that they used to hide from.

Poorer countries, on the other hand, fear an increased threat to wildlife because the pandemic means they have less money and personnel with which to conserve endangered species and habitats.

Nature reserves like Serengeti National Park have seen tourism plummet and rangers are struggling to maintain the parks, due to the lack of revenue.

Fundamentally, the biggest way that our society has changed is through the way people have come together as a community.

It is most important to realise that everyone who stays at home, volunteers with the NHS or other charities is helping the community so that we can get through these uncertain times together.

Photo by Julian Wan on Unsplash