Coronavirus, which is now the main focus of the entire world, has undeniably did some damage to the world. Since it’s outbreak in the province of Hubei in China last December, this ”deadly” virus has spread to the rest of the world in the span of weeks. Moreover, due to the concerning rates of contagion, most government officials are taking radical safety measures for their citizens.
Besides deaths, panic and quarantines, covid19 has tragically (and not-so-tragically) has done serious damage. Here is what coronavirus has done to the world.
Altered Traveling Plans
Obviously, when a highly contagious, super fatal disease appears, the most important element becomes safety. By the end of 2019, China had already suffered from fluctuating tourist rates. In fact, major companies canceled their flights towards Hubei, and airports were closed.
However, following the tragic and rapid spread of the virus, other countries than China took a hit. Therefore, people had to cancel trips, postpone business trips and limit crowds. In Italy, after the country entered into self-quarantine, all attractions, museums and touristy places were closed, which left major Italian cities zombie-like.
Affected the World’s Economy
Besides the damage economically done through tourism, the world’s economy is being affected. Many countries have implemented a coping strategy, which consists of allowing remote working. In order to limit the massive use of public transportation, as well as frequent physical contact within offices, people are now working from home.
This is not all. The UK and US stock markets have are reported to suffer their worst hit since 2008. Oil prices are plunging, and the world is fearing a globally serious market shut down.
People Took the Major Hit
Additionally, besides the economy suffering, people are the ones taking the major hit. Psychologically speaking, the panic and seriousness of the situation has many people misinformed. Then, being forced to work at home, made people believe that the end is near. Supermarkets were flooded and emptied, bars are shutting down, and festivals have been canceled. Free movement of people is now becoming limited everywhere, and major precautions are recommended to be made, especially in highly infected zones.
Closing of Important Facilities
On Monday, Spanish authorities announced that they will be shutting down schools, universities (public and private) as well as elderly homes. this comes as an attempt to radically lower contagion rates. Following the footsteps of the Italian government, who closed up the country, Spain is also considering a possible complete shut down of the metro and trains, if the situation aggravates.
In addition, all football events scheduled for the upcoming two weeks, will officially be played behind closed doors. This includes big confrontations, crucial matches, as well as the return leg of the quarter-finals of the Champions League.
Few Positive Points
Well, there is nothing positive about having to close yourself in, or hear someone’s death or fluctuating economy and altered traveling plans. However, coronavirus might have done a small fraction of good to the world. According to NASA, since the outbreak of the virus, their ”greenhouse gas emissions in China, the world’s largest current contributor to climate change, are down 25 per cent.” Climate change is also another serious issue facing the world nowadays, and we hope that this current situation grows some awareness regarding what we could go through next.
Photos: Pixabay, NASA.