Thoughts on a pandemic and its aftermath

Foreword

Covid-19 needs no introduction. It is the single most powerful influence in our world today and will likely shape how we live in its aftermath.

With this in mind, here are some of my thoughts on this world shattering event.

Focused Attention

First and foremost, the world is focusing on the same thing (other than business/economy) at the same time. However efforts to contain this outbreak are far from coordinated.

World Leaders to Meet Virtually to Coordinate Coronavirus Response

WE NEED A GLOBAL COORDINATED RESPONSE TO COVID-19

Public healthcare

We start to realise how important government healthcare is and the sacrifice made by medical frontliners even though we may not be regular users of this service.

Health D-G hails medical frontliners' dedication, sacrifice in Covid-19 battle

The pandemic is also overwhelming  weak healthcare systems.

Coronavirus is exposing all of the weaknesses in the US health system

Environment wins

We are able gauge the impact our pre-lockdown lives had on the environment.

New Evidence Shows How COVID-19 Has Affected Global Air Pollution

Taking things for granted

We start to appreciate simple things  that we have often take for granted like fresh produce.

Europe’s fresh food supply is being threatened by coronavirus

Disproportionate impact on SMEs

SMEs are hit badly and some will close unless governments extends help. Business closures anticipated especially those that rely on brick & mortar model.

Covid-19: Malaysia SMEs see zero cash inflow for at least three months due to MCO

Online representation

Online business presence is no longer a nice to have. We start to realise how important it is to have business represented online

How COVID-19 is changing traditional retail and e-commerce in SEA

The new BAU

A new BAU model will emerge after this pandemic.  Paradigm shifts such as social distancing and working/learning from home will be more acceptable and even encouraged.

We’re not going back to normal

Leaders unmasked

The true nature of some countries' leaders becomes clear when they deal with this immense worldwide tragedy.

US hijacking mask shipments in rush for coronavirus protection

COVID-19 pandemic is testing world leaders. Who's stepping up?

Jobs

Companies and employees start to realise the importance of being able to work from home

Covid-19 could cause permanent shift towards home working

Recession and permanent job losses at unprecedented scale as a result.

Jobs destroyed worldwide as virus triggers recession


Conclusion

For better or worse our lives are changing and will continue to change due to this significant event. However, this is not the first time humanity has faced such an adversity and throughout history we have prevailed. There is no reason why this pandemic would be any different.