The world we live in is constantly changing. Throughout all of our lifetimes, there have been innovations in technology, new trends in the fashion industry, upcoming artists and musical styles, changes in political leadership, people taking their first breath, and others taking their last. Whether they are small or large, all of these events have had an impact on the world, and it is changed by each new occurrence. Although we have all experienced a multitude of new things as an entire world, and as separate countries, states, and cities, we have never faced something of the magnitude of Covid-19. This virus has changed the world forever.
Everything that we do on a daily basis has been and will continue to be affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. One of the most important practices throughout these uncertain times is social distancing. According to a physician who took these measures with her premature babies before it was necessary due to the virus, “the concept is simple: Those practicing social distancing should stay home as much as possible and look to keep a gap of six feet or more between themselves and others if they do leave the house” (Gunter, 2020). With everything going on, I think that this practice is here to stay, at least for a while. It might not mean remaining in our homes as much as we can, but it will mean keeping at least six feet between ourselves and others while in public. A simulation created by the Kyoto Institute of Technology shows the trajectory of a cough or sneeze as it moves throughout a 600 square foot room. As the droplets that are released travel, it is much easier to avoid contact if people are at least six feet apart (Parshina-Kottas et al., 2020). In public locations, practicing social distancing can prevent the spread of not only Covid-19 but also viruses like the flu and even a common cold.
Living in quarantine has greatly affected people socially. Due to social distancing and quarantine, everyone has resorted to programs like FaceTime, Skype, and Zoom in order to stay in touch with family and friends, attend appointments, host meetings, and go to school. One author raised a very interesting question, “What will happen to the handshake and the hug?” (Blow, 2020). I definitely think that people will be more reluctant to shake hands or hug one another, but I don’t think that they will be completely eliminated from our greetings or goodbyes. There may be less use of the handshake among strangers, but I think people will be willing to shake hands with someone they already know. I also believe that social interactions such as some healthcare appointments will shift towards telehealth or video call meetings. Doctors have suggested that while also preventing the spread of illness, “reduced-visit models and televisits will be advantageous: Patients won’t have to miss work, or will be able to have kids in their lap” (Goligoski, 2020). I think that this type of appointment could also be beneficial for people who don’t live near the offices of healthcare professionals. Even though it is necessary to limit social interaction now, I think that people have learned the advantages that some of the practices may have, and they will continue to be used in the future.
The widespread panic that the coronavirus pandemic has caused called for the implementation of practices such as social distancing and the limitation of in-person social interactions. Although these measures are not favorable to most, I think that some aspects of them are here to stay. I’m very curious to see which policies are kept in place or changed to match the needs of the population, and what the future holds.
-Sydney Rubin
Works Cited
Blow, Charles M. “Covid-19, Confusion and Uncertainty.” The New York Times, 22 Apr. 2020, http://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/22/opinion/coronavirus-future.html?searchResultPosition=6.
Goligoski, Emily. “Prenatal Care May Look Very Different After Coronavirus.” The New York Times, 28 Apr. 2020, http://www.nytimes.com/2020/04/28/parenting/pregnancy/coronavirus-prenatal-care.html?searchResultPosition=8. Accessed 3 May 2020.
Gunter, Jen. “I Practiced Social Distancing Before Coronavirus. It Works.” The New York Times, 13 Mar. 2020, http://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/parenting/social-distancing-coronavirus.html?searchResultPosition=11.
Parshina-Kottas, Yuliya, et al. “This 3-D Simulation Shows Why Social Distancing Is So Important.” The New York Times, 14 Apr. 2020, http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/04/14/science/coronavirus-transmission-cough-6-feet-ar-ul.html?searchResultPosition=18.
English 110 Honors Spring 2020 
Sydney,
I really liked your approach on the piece and how you discussed how different aspects of life have already change and that they will continue to change in the future. I liked your opinions about hugs and handshakes, simple gestures that we once took for granted that we now long to have. I agree with your sentence where you said that ” I definitely think that people will be more reluctant to shake hands or hug one another, but I don’t think that they will be completely eliminated from our greetings or goodbyes. ” I think this pandemic has greatly increased the number of people who will be afraid of germs. I definitely agree that many people will not resist shaking hands. However, it will not be a sign of disrespect but rather simply showing that this person is aware that germs exist and spread. I also am ” curious to see which policies are kept in place or changed”. It will be super interesting to see the long term effects of COVID 19. Only time will tell!
Great work!
~Caroline SanAngelo
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I really appreciate the realistic approach you took on this piece. The effects of coronavirus are constantly seen in our society today, but I think some people do not realize their long term nature. Rather than talking about the restrictions and changes created because of the virus as a short term, preventative measure, you stress the fact that these changes may very well be with us for the remainder of civilization. When faced with challenges and obstacles, humanity finds a way to learn or adapt, and in this case, coronavirus (or disease in general) is our obstacle, and we have learned the importance of new social measures. I appreciate how you acknowledge the idea that the “six feet apart” rule, online meetings, and general social distancing may possibly never go out of style. Our world is ever changing and this pandemic may be what we need in order to apart to the reality of our world. Thank you for your realistic insight.
Bray Fedele
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Very nice insight into the pandemic and how it will affect our future. One scary thing that I found was that COVID is actually binding to air pollution and that we may need to increase social distancing to up to 30 meters! Social distancing will definitely be around for some time, maybe permanent (probably not). New hygiene measures will most likely remain just like how after the Spanish Flu, washing hands became normalized. I really like your quote about the coughing simulation, I never knew about it and I find that extremely cool. Thank you for sharing!
-Austin Grimm
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