Fact of the week included!
By Jacqueline Crivello
Opinion Segments Head
As the quarantine thickens, the question of “will our environment go back to normal?” hovers over us. I am not only talking about the natural environment, but our everyday routine and public gatherings. Before the pandemic began, we, as a community, had the freedom to do things as simple as eating out with family, going to the movies (and picking out that memorable delicious snack), and getting our nails and hair done, etc. We have clearly taken those moments for granted. Thankfully, businesses are starting to open their doors again and I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I am optimistic, and believe that ultimately our economy will bounce back and that we as a society will once again enjoy the freedoms of everyday life like we once did. It is important to note that we still need to remain mindful that social distancing is a reality. Although more restaurants and businesses are opening their doors, there are many rules that we should continue to follow. We are being instructed to either sit outside and/or inside a public establishment in accordance with specific rules to respectfully distance ourselves from one another. This is a big change from what we are used to, but it is a start. The question arises: will the necessity for social distancing fluctuate as the virus continues to have its ups and downs, or will we have to wait until there’s a vaccine? The theme I have used in previous articles is that “we are all in this together,” and clearly this still stands true. We have all been going with the punches, not really knowing or understanding what will happen next, which I believe is one of the scariest mindsets in dealing with this Pandemic. The unknown is what encompasses our minds, in every article that we read and every news story we observe. It continues to baffle us. On a different note, our environment has changed dramatically. The shut down of public gatherings and other social activities has given way to nature and it has been unfolding in front of us. Racoons and crows have been reclaiming their territory and coyotes have been emerging from the “brush.” There has also been a definite decrease in pollution, in the sky and in the water. Many changes have arisen from this virus and the unknown still awaits as we start to open up the world again.
Before the pandemic, there were clear roads ahead of us. We were able to freely embrace our friends, give some sick handshakes, and do daily activities such as the routine of school, eating at restaurants, and just in general having any human connection. Here is my take on the positives and negatives generated by the coronavirus pandemic.
The Negatives
The hesitation of normal interactions and its awkwardness
As our communities start opening up there might be some hesitation in going back to “normal.” We may experience different social interaction, and have the question ‘will touch become taboo?’ I have seen photos on instagram and watched people in the grocery stores and it seems like more and more people have been getting more comfortable and actually going on with their normal life. Though this mindset may be temporary, the annoyance and exhaustion of being kept in our house for many months in isolation has been challenging. My hope is that this “slow down” or “reset” will give us momentum, and the world will continue to take precautions until there is a better handle of this virus. I would like to restate that we do really need to keep taking precautionary measures. By simply washing our hands and abiding by simple social distancing measures, I believe it will improve our situation greatly. So remember, even though it seems like this will never end, trust me- it will.
Addictions
Though this is a harder subject to cover, it is very important. Because of the isolation and lack of human interaction, many people have been going down a dark path. Common addictions to drugs, alcohol, and other substances have escalated. It is a scary situation. The fact is, even if someone wants to reach out for help and/or sobriety, they may not have the ability or resources to do so because they don't have the capability to get the help they need. In addition, there has also been a record number of suicides, which is extremely sad. There is help available…. although many may be depressed or lonely, they may not be able to reach out to the proper authorities or even want to. It is important to remember that people do care, and that there are always other options.
Permanent closure of stores and restaurants
The obvious has occurred… Many businesses have shut down because of the lack of income. Unfortunately, it is out of our control, because the health departments rightfully demanded the shutdown of all restaurants and other businesses to combat the pandemic. Fortunately, through online ordering some businesses have been able to stay afloat. Sadly, some restaurants were unable to support themselves through online services and ultimately shut down forever. One shocking closing was the infamous Souplantation closure on May 7th, 2020.
The positives I have found that have come out of the quarantine is the opportunity to get more comfortable with the use of technology, gaining a better appreciation for the outdoors, and life's other many simple pleasures.
The Positives
Technology and its use
When I found out there would be online school I was ready for the challenge, yet confused on how to even get started. If anyone knows me, I am like a grandma with technology. I had no experience with technology other than the basic online learning which the school had provided before the pandemic and, of course, social media platforms. Through the processes of researching and picking and prodding, I was able to work the webcam as well as the various other components that were necessary for online schooling. After everyone's experience with the quarantine and having to adapt, people may be contemplating if they want to meet in person rather than simply talking online after the pandemic. It's almost as if the world was inverted; now, it feels more comfortable and connected to talk with a person through a screen rather than simply to meet in person. Hopefully, after being reminded and convinced that there is a good reason to reach out and have these normal interactions again, we will reinstate our normal human tendencies. The world may re-adapt to the lifestyle we had before.
Be thankful for all that we have
Through this whole process, I am hoping that all of us have come to recognize the sacrifice and patriotism of our first line responders. Doctors, nurses, police, delivery personnel and even our grocery clerk, among many others, have put their lives on the line in order to help and support the world in pushing through and conquering this virus. They have put their time and hard work into saving the lives of our loved ones, so remember to thank them for their service to us as we do for our military. In the future we should reward them with corporate discounts, bonuses and acknowledge them for their service. I strongly believe that they truly deserve our appreciation and applause for basically risking their lives for ours.
Overall appreciation
The biggest thing I think everyone has gained from this experience in quarantine is the appreciation we have for family, independence, and normal privileges. We have all somehow managed to survive the chaos that can come with family, and have found tactics to keep space as well as time to bond. As the world is starting to open up again, independence and “me” time has most likely been a focus, as well as going to restaurants or doing something as simple as getting your nails done. I hope this appreciation continues to linger through us as we continue to strive to beat the virus.
Not only has the world's daily routine changed but so has the nature around us. As our doors were closed to the outside world, the animals were free and pollution took a break. After just a few months in quarantine, there was a great noticeable difference in polluted towns, such as near the top of Mauna Loa Volcano in Hawaii. This is an observatory surrounded by dark lava rocks and it measures the carbon dioxide levels every day. Using this data, the chemist Charles Keeling first demonstrates the impact of fossil fuel in the atmosphere. Ralph Keeling, a professor at the Scripps institute who leads the atmosphere programme, says “ We have not had a sudden change in fossil fuel emissions ever before in the history of the curve“. This is amazing news and gives us information to further consider when we start going back to our daily lives. There has also been a noticeable decrease with the pollution in water. Tourists who usually swarm to ride boats in the canal are gone, and the number of motor boats have vastly reduced making the waters clearer than ever. A Venice resident mentioned “The canal is definitely clear, you just have to look at the canal when water is very calm. There are no boats, there is no traffic. Definitely it is clearer.” Many more countries have been positively affected by these changes.
Link for picture: https://www.nbcnews.com/science/environment/coronavirus-shutdowns-have-unintended-climate-benefits-n1161921
Fact of the week
How many crows and coyotes reside in California, compared to humans?
Answer: Around 40 million people live in California, and we are the largest state in the Union. There are over 20 million crows living in California and somewhere between 250 thousand to 750 thousand coyotes residing on the land as well.
Links to pictures:
Overall to give a recap, the world and we as people have changed miraculously due to Covid-19. Although some aspects of life may stay the same, our world will forever hold change because of the pandemic and add to the various scars that have shaped our world for the better and the worst.
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