It’s now been more than a year since COVID-19 struck. Unlike most battles in history, those at the front lines are not soldiers but health care workers; the battlefield is not a specific place but everywhere, and the enemy is invisible to the naked eye. The conversation on health has certainly been a priority now more than ever, as humanity continues to struggle with the threat of the pandemic. There is more to this crisis than just managing the risks of people getting infected with the virus.
The restrictions imposed to slow down the spread of the pandemic have taken a toll on people’s mental health. Today’s workers, students, and everyone else find themselves in a situation they have not encountered before, and thus, they have had to learn how to adjust. Those who were able to keep their jobs are struggling with the work-from-home set-up, trying to manage both work and domestic life. Young people continue to study using their computers or cellphones, or reading their printed modules as face-to-face classes are still deemed unsafe. With almost everything going virtual, what if one does not have a strong Internet connection? This connectivity issue contributes to the overall frustration. Movement from one place to another is limited. Some families or groups of friends planning a trip out of town or out of the country for a momentary respite from work may have to put their plans on hold. Many things, at this point, can trigger stress, burnout, fear, and anxiety. How are you taking care of your mental health? How are you watching after your loved ones’ mental health?
Income security has also been affected as the world experienced an unprecedented contraction in economic activity. Unemployment rates increased in the past months. Government and non-government organizations are finding ways to mitigate the situation by helping provide basic needs especially for the poorest of the poor. Various programs such as distribution of ‘ayuda’ (food aid), health care assistance, and loans with low-interest rates are being offered. Despite the many efforts, people look forward to a return to normalcy in their lives.
Last year, everyone was keeping their hopes up that a vaccine would be developed the soonest time possible. Scientific advancement paved the way for having safe and effective vaccines developed and distributed at this time. At present, these are being rolled out in various parts of the world and paving the way to reach ‘herd immunity.’ Governments have heavily invested in purchasing vaccine doses for their citizens. Developed countries have also pledged to donate for the purchase of vaccines in developing countries – a move that exhibits a show of solidarity in pursuit of the common good. Some pharmaceuticals are already working on coming up with a medicine to cure COVID-19 while this issue is being published.
The return to normalcy will not be that easy and not any time soon. The available vaccines can only reduce or eliminate the risk of hospitalization or severe infection. Thus, even if a certain area or country reaches ‘herd immunity,’ physical distancing and the wearing of masks might still be needed indoors. Gradually, public gatherings and non-essential travel will be allowed. It may be a hard pill to swallow, but the truth is, we have to go through this ‘new normal.’ Things will get better, but humanity cannot walk away from this pandemic as if it never happened, returning to normal as if nothing had been learned. The discussions on health must continue even after this pandemic. Each one should be conscious of his or her health (mental and physical) and, hopefully, governments will continue to invest more in public health care, including providing just salaries for public health care workers, the modernization of public health care facilities, and funding scientific research. The future of humanity depends on how seriously we look at our health, individually and collectively.
