Opinion | Coronavirus challenge offers an opportunity to learn from history and ease into post-pandemic new normal
- Responses to crises like the Spanish flu, Y2K and HIV provide a road map for adapting to life in a world beset by Covid-19
- Disruption to the global economy opens the door for important reforms such as reskilling, improving working conditions, and focusing on health care and social security
Some experts argue against the precautions taken to contain Covid-19. They claim millions die from flu and tuberculosis every year, so why this global fear? There is also an economic argument, a Trumpism that goes: “The cure cannot be worse than the problem.”
The paper also indicates that non-pharmaceutical interventions, besides lowering mortality, may mitigate the adverse economic consequences of a pandemic.
Humankind has long been plagued by epidemics that have decimated populations. Over the past few months, there have been stories about how some people made something positive out of the outbreaks. Mentions of Shakespeare and Newton have been made, challenging us to make the best of a bad thing.
There is enough modern-day inspiration to keep social media and the publishing industry in business. However, the past is a repository of experience one must tap to live with Covid-19.
