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Summary
- The ongoing global COVID-19 crisis has underlined the requirement of international collaboration to combat any global pandemic.
- Social distancing has become a buzzword worldwide, with the importance of practising hygiene highlighted more than ever.
- The pandemic also acts as a reminder that there is an urgent need for an early warning system to plan and prepare for future crises.
The year 2021 started with the launch of multiple COVID-19 vaccines, and millions of people worldwide getting vaccine shots daily. However, we are still experiencing large spikes in COVID-19 cases, and many countries are grappling with the new and faster-spreading strains of the coronavirus. As we move forward, preparation, awareness and mental health care will be important strategies to focus.
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With this backdrop, here are five lessons that we have learned so far from the ongoing pandemic:
Significance of safety and hygiene
Multiple strategies were implemented to fight COVID-19, including hand hygiene, maintaining social distancing, and wearing masks. Social distancing has become a buzzword worldwide with an extensive focus on the importance of washing hands regularly and practising personal hygiene. Several studies have demonstrated that along with social distancing, masks help cut down the transmission of the virus.
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Prevention is always better than cure
The ongoing global health emergency is a powerful reminder that ignoring science carries considerable costs. Scientists have warned about infectious diseases, especially since bird flu, Ebola, and SARS outbreaks. Moreover, COVID-19 has made everyone realize that we were not prepared to handle a pandemic, and lack of adequate equipment has been a primary concern, among many others.
The next step for everyone should be to learn from experience. The governments and healthcare organizations, including Emergency medical services (EMS) agencies, should prioritize preparing and storing protective equipment for any potential pandemics in the future.
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Global crises need global collaboration
Every government has the responsibility to put its country first, but it should be contemplating and acting globally during any global crisis. During global crises, international collaboration is essential to safeguard the economy and protect the health and security of the people.
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All nations and governments should be more tolerant in seeking cultural and political harmony to overcome any unfortunate pandemic together.
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Loneliness and isolation hurt health more
Another thing we have learned from the deadly COVUD-19 pandemic is that isolation is everyone's problem. Loneliness and social isolation in the elderly are major public health consequences that have affected many people. However, loneliness does not only affect the elderly, but it also affects adults and adolescents.
Some recent studies found that social isolation significantly increased the risk of premature death. Investigations also revealed that isolation was linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, and suicide.
Importance of being grateful
Expressing gratitude and giving thanks is one of the long-forgotten concepts. The idea of gratitude is particularly important during a global crisis such as the COVID-19 pandemic when the whole world is unpredictable and unsafe.
Additionally, some research also suggests that practising gratitude in the pandemic times does not only boost a person’s mood mentally, but also helps to maintain physical health to respond to the infections.
COVID-19 has made people feel like it has turned the world upside down overnight. But practising gratitude every day can bring some stability in life by shifting the focus on good things rather than what is unpredictable or uncertain.
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