What has the onslaught of COVID-19 taught us about Humanity?

Introduction

In the last few months, the entire world has been on a state of standstill, and fear has overcome every household.

The dread of an unknown, deadly illness has crept upon 7.8 billion lives.

The fear of this unknown and deadly disease caused by the Covid 19 (corona) virus has shaken humanity's very core.

The catastrophic effect this has brought forward has impacted millions' economic, medical, social, physical, and even psychological aspects.

Covid-19 ( or SARS-COV-2) or Coronavirus Disease is a deadly and contagious disease that attacks the respiratory system. The person infected might have symptoms like fever, cough, difficulty in breathing, etc. It can be both mild and severe. The lungs are the most affected organ in this disease.

Identified in Wuhan, China and now spread worldwide with around 8 Million people affected by this virus and close to 1 million deaths.

What is the state of Humanity?

As we continue to battle this pandemic and tackle life in this new reality, we come face to face with hard-hitting questions.

At this tumultuous period has humanity remained? Have we, as humans, found empathy to be the beacon of light during this dark period? Have we truly understood and seen the idea of humanity being played out?

How has the Pandemic affected us?

As a result of this pandemic, governments worldwide have taken quick steps to stop all human activity that involved interacting with another human being. The full-fledged lockdown was introduced for countries across, all business activities closed, schools, colleges and educational institutions closed.

People were regulated to stay inside their respective homes and quarantine. Jobs were lost, companies stopped functioning, business enterprises have gone bankrupt, people lost their livelihood, the economy collapsed, food and basic necessities were getting hard to

access. Mental and physical health deteriorated for millions of children and adults alike as they struggled to cope and find solutions to this global crisis.

Light at the end of the tunnel

We stood together following the norms imposed to fight this pandemic during this challenging time and communal anxiety. We used our most excellent tool - Technology. Social media and multiple online platforms to showcase the true nature of human characteristics - Empathy. This concept of empathy conveyed across with the tools of technology has changed how we understand human nature.

Amidst social distancing and uncertainty of the future ahead, everyday kindness and stories of neighbours sharing their supply or strangers on the internet paying someone's medical bill and even entertainment has contributed so much to liven the spirits of human isolation and separation.

We are witnessing the strength that laughter and togetherness brings. Although separated by distance, features like video calling, WhatsApp group chats, memes, online chat rooms, and sharing YouTube videos have given us the distraction we need and the hope that we were praying for at this bleak time.

With this shared experience that everyone in the world is currently undergoing, we have found a means to relate and set aside our differences in race, creed, culture, religion and ideologies.

Post-Covid-era

We begin this new reality with face masks and caution, but there is this rekindled spirit of hope and sense of community that lets us walk into the new decade with tenacity.

Although it is yet to be over, we are confident that our faith in togetherness will not be broken or tainted no matter the masks or face shields we wear.

We have now realised the power of wellbeing and caution not only for ourselves but for those around.

Humans can survive despite what brings us down, and we can do so only when we stick together as a team.

A team of humans.

Homo sapiens.