Is there life after Coronavirus? Is it going to go back as it was before? Are we going to have enough toilet paper left? What are the lessons and consequences of this, if maybe not unprecedented, highly disruptive event? In this post, we will grapple with the aftermath of the pandemic outbreak we all find ourselves in.

The Virus

As the quarantine progresses and the entire world it’s holding its breath waiting for a sense of normalcy to return, we have to use this opportunity to come out smarter on the other end. Life will return to normal. What we have to realize is that it will be a new “normal”. Covid-19 research is still in its infancy but latest studies, as published in the “Wired”, show it might affect our central nervous system, which would possibly explain why different people exhibit different symptoms. Also, Bloomberg reports that Coronavirus immunity, gained once recovered, is still very much something that’s in the air (pun intended). No one can conclusively tell how protected we will be, yet.

The virus does not discriminate based on political affiliation, race, gender, religion or anything else. It is sad that we humans still do. Hopefully, this break from our busy, busy lives teaches us to be better and do better. Individually and collectively, we have a chance to figure out what is important to us. Once we do, we can pursue it, value it and be grateful for it.

The Economy

As the Wall Street was sucker-punched by the swift spread, they are still struggling to figure out how to process the shutdown of entire US economy. And not just US, but majority of nations in the world have hunkered down. The resulting chaos has shown that those with liquidity – cash – are the ones who will come out on top. Stocks and bonds don’t mean much if you can’t buy food.

There will be changes. For one, this pandemic has showcased a difference between “essential” and “non-essential” work. It is high time that salaries start reflecting that. Right now, there’s a huge inequality gap that will only continue to increase if economy continues its current trajectory, filling up the pockets of the few on top. Access to life-saving medicine or care shouldn’t be a matter of money! This situation we find ourselves in, where personal gain trumps absolutely everything else, is closely tied to the political spectrum and the way politicians get funded to attain their seats of power. Ultimately, it will be up to all of us, to exercise our rights to vote and hopefully start putting our trust in people, not political establishments. If only we had a vaccine for callousness.

The Ships

One segment of economy, but also humanity, that I would like to expand on is the cruise industry. Hospitality sector has definitely been hardest hit by the virus and, at its heart, is cruising. Even though Coronavirus can be contracted anywhere, close proximity of people onboard ships allowed for some much publicized news segments. Even though crew members have tried their hardest, no one can fully prepare for the unknown. As such, cruising industry took a hit that is going to leave lasting scars.

While cruising is definitely not essential, it is comprised of people. Some 150,000 jobs are directly tied to it, as per CLIA. And those crew members onboard? Those are human beings now being stuck on drifting ships, with their countries not willing to take them back due to stigma. They don’t deserve to be forgotten.

Cruise ships will weather the storm, of that I am certain. Yes, there are going to be big, structural changes. But, if at any workplace all the employees pull as one, it is aboard a ship. It is our workplace but also our home for long stretches of time. In face of adversity, cruise industry and shipping in general, has always learned its lessons and found a way to improve. Being a part of it, as a crew member, and knowing the type of people who choose to live at sea, I have no doubt.

The After

So, how is it all going to look in the end? We can see that there are jobs and tasks that can function, and even flourish, remotely. There is definitely going to be a “grace” period where people will still be careful of interacting closely with other people, especially strangers. Hopefully, people will learn to appreciate what they have and realize we do live together on this planet. We are wired to help, not take from each other.

Critical part of that are healthcare workers which need better protection and preparation from authorities. Based on political willpower and public pressure, we will see how big are the steps going to be that will address the inadequacies in the healthcare system. As science and technology progress forward, there will be less resistance of things moving online. This stands to be a great boon for emerging technologies, such as VR and AR, which will be used in increasingly more segments of society. But don’t take just my word for it. These smart people explain it better than I can.

Finally, be safe and responsible. Know that you are not alone in this. The whole of humanity has the same fears and same hopes.

Oh, and remember to wash your hands. Especially if you run out of toilet paper.