How COVID-19 changed us more than we think.
What do you think of the proposed changes in restaurants?
Photo Cred: @ianbremmer on twitter.
It feels like it’s been a minute, but in saying that, who even remembers the concept of time these days? The world has been locked up for months now and we’re only just starting to see the signs of “life as we know it”… but is it?
The truth is, we’ve experienced a lot of changes (whether we would like to believe it or not), and the truth is we’re not the same either. Can you even remember the old stuff anymore? Buckle up people, I have a lot to get off my chest.
Firstly, I hope you’re all in good health and your families are well. Unfortunately, I’m aware this may not be the case for everyone and my deepest condolences and sympathy go out to those who are suffering and those in pain. As a healthcare key worker, I am very aware of the situation and I understand how hard it is for many who cannot see their loved ones, so believe me when I say that I know it’s hard, but things will get better… but protect yourself too!
How things started…
Let’s take a little trip down memory lane why don’t we? Once upon a time, we were living our usual lives, going where we pleased, and seeing who we wanted. We didn’t have to think about how close we were standing, how often we washed our hands (with reason), if we touched our face or how many people were in the same place at the same time.
Do you remember fighting your way through crowds to get to the bar? * sigh * suddenly all the inconveniences we faced are trivial. Oh, how we wish to remember the things we used to complain about… public transport running late, waiting outside for a table, waiting in lines for clubs, the annoying dude at the football match, seeing your friends, house parties… shall I go on? Now, all we know is the four corners of the house and remind me again on what day it is!?
Let’s fast forward a few weeks later where we first heard about this dreaded illness. The warning we had from China, Italy, and everywhere else around the world. It all looked a bit surreal but it wasn't happening to us yet. Besides, it’s not so easy to be scared of something you can’t see, is it? Now we’re weeks and weeks deep in our own pandemics and slowly we’ve become compliant and numb to things we would have questioned before.
Let’s take the death toll as an example of how we’ve become more desensitised to everything that is going on. Disclaimer: I’m not going on a rant about being “woke” or some shit, but there are things we need to be mindful of before we accept anything anyhow.
We watch the news every day, see a number and think “ahh well it’s only 400, that’s less than the other day.” It sounds morbid but that’s what we’ve been accustomed to now. People are numbers and the numbers either rise or drop. If we turned on the news now and they say “Today’s death toll is 30” we’d celebrate and say “Ohh it’s so low”. Don’t you find that nuts? 30 deaths due to corona is something to celebrate? WAKE UP AND DEEP IT. 300 deaths in 24/7 can be announced and we’ll keep on watching like it’s normal. They’re all people, but as the numbers continue to be recorded, that’s all they are to us. A number. Until it hits close to home.
I get it, we can’t name each and every person, but there’s something eery about the way we get on with life. Kinda makes you deep the life you have and what you’ve got left to achieve. Despite all this, there have been positive stories such as the millions of pounds that Cpt Tom raised on behalf of NHS charities and those who are bereaved now show the lives of those who lost their battle to COVID-19 by displaying yellow hearts on their windows to show the faces behind the numbers. Additionally, many people have become more caring and softer towards each-other and there is an element of strength despite our struggles.
I’m not trying to sound morbid here, and we can’t stand around being sad all day but it’s just shit. Like really shit. Deep it properly. The news only has ONE Topic. There is no news. Just announcements on changes. There’s no life, just corona.
There’s no life, just corona.
As you are well aware, this is not the only change. Many have been working from home as companies have adapted. 9 am zoom calls are the norm and people have got used to the routine. With the changes, some workplaces (such as Twitter) have decided that they will be maintaining this long-term if employees want and others have realised that many roles really didn’t need physical attendance.
Of course, there is the negative side where many are left unable to work or unemployed and are relying on government loans or furlough payments to get them through the weeks and months. This comes as a cost and that cost will be raises in Tax and increased fees. Already we are seeing the effects of this in the UK, where the London congestion charge will be increasing to £15 and will be in place 7 days a week with an extended time of 10 pm. Not only this, but the free bus passes are being scrapped for children under 18 and those over 60 with a freedom pass will only be able to use it during off-peak times. They say this is temporary, but this is just the beginning, and there is no doubt that the extra strain will be felt by many families.
what will life look like after covid-19?
I can’t exactly answer that but I know for sure things won’t go back to normal. First of all, it is all dependent on how well we manage to contain the virus and the steps we take. Unfortunately, there have been many flaws in which our government has “led” and all this summer weather hasn’t helped either! I know it’s almost a mockery that we’re getting good weather for the first time when we should be staying in but life’s a joker like that.
Unfortunately, it is encouraging many to venture outside and I fear the consequences of this down the line. The government talk of reducing restrictions and opening schools, whilst many businesses such as gyms and restaurants prepare themselves for a re-opening of services. What I think of this is my opinion (I think it’s stupid AF and way too soon), but it’s inevitable.
The future looks like: more people working from home, limited people in restaurants, caps in social settings, masks worn more, increases in fees to compensate for the economic crash... Some things will be expected, but others will be bizarre compared to our previous way of living. How will we enjoy the cinema? What will sporting events look like? Will we be forced to accept more virtual product interactions? Will life feel more… orchestrated?
A Michelin-stared restaurant has already made plans to seat mannequins at 50% of tables to make restaurants feel fuller and restaurants in Italy have proposed to use plexiglass dividers between and across tables. Gyms are also thinking along the same lines but it’s just… weird!
For now, the story isn’t over and I really hope the relaxation of lockdown doesn’t stir a second wave. Loads of people still don’t know if they’re COVID free and it’s sad that we can’t hug without feeling paranoid. Gestures of love are now turned into weapons. What a life we live now. It doesn’t help that the information is changed every minute and honestly, no-one understands what the rules are anymore (at least in the UK).
Gestures of love are now turned into weapons.
For now, it’s important that we maintain good hygiene, stay safe, be mindful, and keep our distance but please be aware of the changes. The way this is going, I wouldn’t be surprised if we’ll be chipped (I joke…) and the mad part is that I think they’d be able to pull it off.
The point I’m trying to make here is to be aware of the changes and not just to accept everything you come across. It lowkey scares me that we’re quickly forgetting what life used to be and evolving at such a fast rate and we’re OK about it. It’s just food for thought but speak up if things seem off.
If you are still working from home and know you will be for a while, you might want to check out my blog on how to stay productive during lockdown. If you have nothing to do, you can check out my blog on online courses you can do for free. Maybe you just need a mental health check-in or you want to learn how to cook (cheeky plug here, but I’ve just started a foodie page on insta - feel free to follow here). If you just want to enjoy some good quality content, the National Theatre on Youtube are streaming free theatre plays such as the Official Barber Shop Chronicles and many other productions have also become free!
We are living in dire times, but we live in hope.
Whatever you are doing, don’t forget to stay home and stay safe!
Liz x