The global Coronavirus pandemic has pushed humans indoors, with billions of us being put under enforced lockdowns. Even as an insidious virus strain is continuously challenging previously held notions of human invincibility, not to mention our sense of self worth when it comes to science and technology, there is almost a large consensus that we as a race will eventually overcome the pandemic. That being said, will the world return to being what it was like, say, in January 2020? The chances are bleak.
The Coronavirus pandemic is bound to bring about behavioural changes within humans around the world, drastic in some countries, and perhaps, barely noticeable in others. The focus, of course, being individual behavioural changes. Having said that, the larger political, environmental and economic change in mindset cannot be negated as well. Hyperbolic ideas of globalization and a ‘world without borders’ have already fallen like a pack of cards. Pollution levels have fallen drastically, for the good. Being ignorant about climate change does no good to anybody. Which means that post the pandemic, humans will be more sympathetic to mother earth and how we treat it. Are we willing to give up on the clean Ganga and Yamuna so easily? Ask any Indian, and the answer will be no.
Larger changes–geopolitically, environmentally or otherwise, will all be effected only after humans individually change their behaviour for the better. After natural calamities, pandemics and drastic changes in the world order, behavioural changes of humans have always come to the fore. The latest example being the SARS outbreak in the early 2000’s.
A study of people quarantined during the time of the SARS outbreak because of potential contact noted that 54 per cent of people who had been quarantined avoided people who were coughing or sneezing, 26 per cent avoided crowded enclosed places, and 21 per cent avoided all public spaces in the weeks following the quarantine period.
Once we have overcome Coronavirus, Indians are bound to realize the futility of unnecessarily touching almost anybody they come across, by means of a simple handshake or hug. A large-scale reversion to the traditional ‘Namaste’ is what can definitely be expected.
While physical fitness and a healthy lifestyle was generally taken casually by us, in the months after novel Coronavirus is tamed, people will definitely realise the importance of being healthy and fit. Yoga is expected to witness a bump in popularity. Moreover, it is a known fact that people with a strong immune system are better placed to overcome such virus-related diseases. Therefore, it is only but expected for people to take a turn towards Ayurveda, and traditional Indic methods of immunity-boosting.
Social distancing is here to stay. The dangers posed by close contact with hundreds, possibly thousands of individuals is a scary thought to say the least. Will the people commuting daily by the Mumbai locals deem it normal to be among a crowd of hundreds in one coach? This is the time the authorities work on alternatives, and tap into the developed symptoms of everyone to maintain social distancing on all fronts. Research already suggests that in absence of a vaccine, social distancing norms must be followed till 2022, at least!
Self-hygiene is perhaps one trait that everybody has developed, and will continue practicing even in the absence of a public health crisis. Washing one’s hands at regular intervals has become an indisputable rule in households. Moreover, the usage of hand sanitizers in public places is also expected to be adopted at a large-scale by everyone. This, in the absence of a raging pandemic will also go a long way in preventing other common communicable diseases from spreading. Facial masks will also be seen being used by many in the months following the world’s recovery from Coronavirus.
Work from home is proving to be just as good as work from workspaces. The IT sector, media and other related industries are seeing large swathes of employees working from home, with just as much efficacy as they would from their offices. As a result, enhanced leniency for setting up work-from-home environments are expected both from the government, as well as respective employers.
What the coming times hold for privacy policies of various governments is no hard guess to take. While governments will pitch for enhanced surveillance mechanisms and lenient privacy policies, the usual outraged citizenry is sure to resist such moves. However, a shakeup in the same is inevitable.
The consumption of alcohol, cigarettes and other illegally legal intoxicants has taken a hit too. These commodities have not been classified as ‘essentials’, resulting in people not getting their hands on these easily. This is an opportune time to get rid of, or at least minimize one’s consumption of the same. While reports of people suffering from withdrawal symptoms are plenty, will the lockdown go a long way in helping people overcome their addictions is something to be seen in the coming months.
All this being said, behavioural changes among humans are inevitable. As of now, the expected changes will go a long way in enhancing a healthy lifestyle, in which people are aware of the catastrophic consequences of carelessness and indifference. We are bound to emerge as a more aware and considerate society.