Last week I wrote an article in which I discussed the different things that I have missed after spending almost six months in quarantine because of the coronavirus pandemic. After writing that article I began to realize that there are some things that we as a society have started doing because of the pandemic that I think we should adapt and continue doing in the future. Let's face it, this year has seriously sucked. But there have been a few good things that I hope we are able to bring with us into the future once this mess is all over.
Mask culture
stack of white yellow green and blue textilesPhoto by Vera Davidova on UnsplashSome parts of the world, such as certain parts of Asia, participate in something called mask culture. People in mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and Thailand, live under the assumption that anyone could possibly be a carrier of a virus even if they are healthy and wear a mask in order to protect others from themselves. While America will likely not adopt mask culture due to our need for individualism and blatant disregard for those around us, I feel as though as a country we could greatly benefit from it (especially considering the fact that our healthcare system is complete garbage). Masking does not need to be enforced year-round like it is now but rather during the cold and flu season or as needed throughout the year. It could potentially lower infection and death rates for the flu season in the years to come. Also, a mask can be a super cute accessory when you match it to your outfit or you can throw on a mask, a hat, and a pair of sunglasses when you're running late and don't have time to get ready.
Social distancing
white and blue signage on brown soilPhoto by Jordan Hopkins on UnsplashThis one may just be a matter of personal opinion (I value my personal space) but I hope we continue practicing social distancing in the future. I cannot stand when I'm standing in line or something and someone is standing uncomfortably close to me breathing down my neck or bumping in me. The markings on the floor that are used to regulate social distancing in public places are a dream come true for me and I hope we continue to practice social distancing in public. I would also like to normalize politely asking people to take a few steps back if they are invading your personal space. Prior to and even now during the pandemic, people get hostile and take offense if you ask them to take a few steps back.
Treating essential workers like human beings
white red and blue signagePhoto by Nicholas Bartos on UnsplashThe pandemic has helped a lot of people to realize as well as reinforcing the fact that essential workers are people too and deserve to be treated as such. Workers should not have to put themselves in danger or face abuse from customers just to do their job and make a living. No customer has the right to be a Karen and berate an employee who is just trying their best to be able to pay their rent. My family and I have certainly reevaluated how we treat service workers. We have utilized services such as curbside grocery and food pick-up and have made an effort to do our part in keeping the worker safe by making the interaction as brief and contactless as possible, wearing a mask, and sanitizing before and after. My family also always has a few extra hand-made masks on hand and offer one to the worker if they need/want one.
Normalize staying home without feeling guilty
white ceramic mug on book pagePhoto by Carolyn V on UnsplashI am a people-pleaser who is also a homebody. I like to stay home because I feel comfortable there but I feel guilty when I have to stay home for whatever reason because I feel as though I'm disappointing someone. Throughout the pandemic, I've gained the ability to say no and stay home without feeling guilty anymore. My health and well-being are more important than pleasing someone or living up to someone else's expectation of me. This pandemic has also helped to normalize staying home when you're sick rather than suck it up and work through it to live up to today's grind culture.
Curbside pick-up
black car on pedestrian lane during daytimePhoto by Mick Haupt on UnsplashAs I mentioned previously, my family utilized curbside pick-up a TON during quarantine and we plan to continue to use it even after the pandemic because it is just so much easier. I have some mobility issues so wandering the aisles trying to find the things I need can be really difficult some days and it is so much easier to just choose what I want online and drive to the store to pick it up. Some stores and restaurants had curbside pick-up prior to the pandemic but I hope they continue to do it and more businesses join in.
Increased cleaning
woman in white long sleeve shirt and blue denim jeans standing beside white wooden framed glassPhoto by CDC on UnsplashIncreased cleaning in public spaces has become the norm during this pandemic to help fight the spread of the virus and I think this country would benefit by continuing this practice in the future when the pandemic is over.
Virtual meetings
macbook pro displaying group of peoplePhoto by Chris Montgomery on UnsplashA majority of students including myself have started relying on Zoom to continue their education and staying connected with others. I've really appreciated the switch over to virtual meetings for classes and clubs. Because of my mobility issues, it can sometimes be difficult to get to and from classes or meetings when I'm on campus and it's much easier to go home and log onto Zoom. The pandemic has shown that there really is no need for people always been physically present in class or meetings and hopefully hybrid classes and meetings become the norm when things are over.
Helping others
While the pandemic has certainly brought out the worse in some people, it has brought out the best in others. This difficult time has brought out the altruistic sides of some people. I have personally joined a local organization with my family that gives out the materials to make homemade masks that
Making the best out of every situation
Whether it be creative ways to stay entertained while in quarantined or the socially distanced drive-by graduation or birthday party, people have shown how truly resilient we can be as a species by trying to make the best out of every situation.
Increased compassion for people with disabilities and chronic illness
handicap symbolPhoto by AbsolutVision on UnsplashPeople have become somewhat more considerate of those with disabilities and chronic illnesses since the start of the pandemic. People have been more understanding when I have had to cancel something or say I can't spend time with someone right now because I'm worried about my health and well-being. I really hope we are able to take this newfound understanding with us once this pandemic is over.
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