Over a month later, we all still feel the impact of this pandemic as it continues. The effects of this all is of course tragic, but some of the outcomes are kind of nice. I think people are coming together (not physically hopefully) to help out fields like the medical field to get supplies, volunteer and moral support nonetheless. With every grand event, there are not only impacts but changes that are made. 

One change I think will be made is the friendly nature to greet one another using a handshake. Most people now are more mindful of their interactions and I think because the handshake is direct contact with another person, this will begin to cease due to the exposure. “It’s the modern standard greeting for global politics and business, and has been around for thousands of years. But public health experts urge us to re-examine the ritual’s safety” (Lufkin).  An alternative to this might be a headnod for acknowledgement instead of any direct contact. 

Another change that might stick is how some grocery stores have built these plastic shields in front of cashiers to protect the customers and the cashier. For a lot of stores, this seems to be more of a permanent build and will actually protect people in the long run. “Acme has installed plastic shields in all of its 164 stores, including at the register, customer service desk and pharmacies” (Willis). I can see this sticking and becoming part of our normal lives as it seems to be little to no inconvenience and more helpful. 

Another outcome of this pandemic is the fact that a lot of jobs have been moved to remote work. While of course this can be inconvenient at times, I think for some jobs it has opened peoples eyes in realization that this might be the future. Things like day to day tasks that would normally be done at a desk can also just be done from home. For example, my dad usually worked from home a few times a month because he has that flexibility to– so this might result in more remote days for him. It amazes me how much can be done from home now that we are all so connected. “Working from home, research has found, can boost employee productivity, improve work/life balance and foster better mental health (not to mention reduce pollution from commuters)” (Eisenberg). While this is a form of privilege since not all jobs can be remote, the jobs that are able to be remote now might implement more days like this for the future. 

The truth is that we have to ease back to the way things used to be. Some things might have a longer lasting impression than others, and some won’t be the same. Many aspects of life will change due to this pandemic—big or small. No one knows what will happen until this actually is all over. One thing for sure that is an effect is the way we react to it and our mentality after it all. “Take breaks from watching, reading, or listening to news stories, including social media. Hearing about the pandemic repeatedly can be upsetting” (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). We have to take care of ourselves during this time and being surrounded by the news isn’t really going to help us mentally. Yes of course it’s good to be informed, but it’s an even better time to brush up on our hobbies— especially with school ending so soon. 

With such a large event happening worldwide, this will inevitably bring change. In 9/11, the airport security was forever changed after that. Even though this seems to be a naturally occurring thing and not a terrorist attack, it will still have social effects and many more. Change isn’t always a bad thing. We can look at it as the shift we have to make in our lives being necessary for a healthier future. There can and will always be positive effects out of such tragedy, we just have to move forward.

Ivellise Morales

Work Cited

Eisenberg, Richard. “Is Working From Home The Future Of Work?” Forbes, Forbes Magazine, 10 Apr. 2020, www.forbes.com/sites/nextavenue/2020/04/10/is-working-from-home-the-future-of-work/#5708e43f46b1. 

    Lufkin, Bryan. “Will Covid-19 End the Handshake?” BBC Worklife, BBC, 14 Apr. 2020,        www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200413-coronavirus-will-covid-19-end-the-handshake. 

“Mental Health and Coping During COVID-19.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 16 Apr. 2020, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/daily-life-coping/managing-stress-anxiety.html. 


 Willis, David P. “Coronavirus NJ: Supermarkets Set up Plastic Shields, One-Way Aisles, Offer Pay Raises.” Asbury Park Press, Asbury Park Press, 25 Mar. 2020, www.app.com/story/money/business/main-street/2020/03/24/coronavirus-nj-supermarkets-set-up-plastic-shields-offer-pay-raises/2900463001/.