There’s going to be a “beforeâ€Â and an “afterâ€. Our tomorrow’s concept changed. Before the health emergency, all of us used to think about future a way for which it was sure that this or that would have been done. A trip, an experience, a decision to be taken. The only reason the future wouldn’t go as planned was because of a setback. At least in our minds.
Covid-19 changed all of this. It reminded us that nothing can be really planned. This virus is not a setback. It became part of our daily lives, and we’ll have to learn to live with.
The “day after†the lockdown, that taught us to be social distant, will be hard to live, although the reopening will take place gradually. We all think of what we’ll do first. But the truth is that none of us know how not only “the day after†will be, but the “days afterâ€.
Covid-19 changed our habits, our way of relating to each other. The trauma that the epidemic has left in us is significant and will be, even when a vaccine is developed. The fear of something that can spread that fast, putting our lives at risk, will persist. Masks will become fashionable. We’ll probably have to deal with apps which detect either Covid-19 positive people, either groups of more than 10 persons.
The world of labor will change. Open spaces offices will be replaced by many small offices for no more than 2 or 3 people. Transports too will change, dealing with the fact that until now, companies have maximized places on means of transport, whether they were trains, planes or buses, in order to increase efficiency. Perhaps efficiency will now also be assessed in terms of safety, health in this case, with a remarkable increase in costs. The catering industry, that of bars, restaurants, will have to deal with this in the same way: no more crowded places, but distant tables.
Tomorrow will be all this and will be for a long time. Covid-19 marked a historical moment, a turning point in modern life. Big events don’t mark only negative effects, but also positive. It’s hard, nowadays, especially being Italian from Milan, to see a positive effect. And yet, there is. It has often been discussed how people are caught up in the hustle and bustle of life today, how little they devote themselves to others. New generations have often been reproached for not appreciating small things of life. How many times have we heard from our grandparents about “it was better before”?
Covid-19 imposed us a long period of quarantine. None of us has experienced such an imposition ever before. We stood at home, many of us were not with our families, parents, cousins, brother, sisters. The first thing we’ll do the “day after†will be reaching our beloved ones. This quarantine has probably taught us to appreciate things that so far we used to take for granted. While human was locked in, nature came out: we saw photos of fawns on the beach, dolphins swimming in harbors, little bears diving into the pool, hares taking possession of deserted city parks. And we loved it. It must make us think. When this quarantine will end we’ll have to be careful not to ruin this enchantment. Of course, countries must relaunch themelves. But this can happen respecting the environment. Greta Thunberg has been unheard. Covid-19 was “heard†from everyone, also as a warning for all of us.
Covid-19 has made us rediscover the importance of solidarity and the importance of the other. Nevertheless, it made national States di reevaluate the importance of healthcare. In the last years, huge amounts of money have been invested in other strategic sectors. Healthcare is strategic as well. Another lesson from Covi-19.
The “day after†is full of uncertainties. People will have huge problems to solve, distances between social classes will be increased with dramatic consequences. But if there’s one thing Covid-19 taught us is the importance of alliance, of solidarity and humanity. Let’s not forget this.