Over a million people have been diagnosed with COVID-19 in California since the epidemic began and, sadly, over 18,700 have died, leaving many families bereaved, while others have suffered long term health complications and disability caused by the virus. Even for those of us who have been lucky enough to avoid this, it has changed life in ways we could not have imagined.
We’re finding new ways to say hello
Now that we’re required to wear face masks in public, the famous Californian smile doesn’t work the way it used to, and shaking hands has become a bad idea – but this is a place where friendliness matters, so we’re adapting. The elbow bump has been taking over as a formal greeting, and from San Francisco to Los Angeles we’ve been saying hello by waving, leaving messages in public places or putting children’s art in our windows to send a cheery message to passers-by.
We’re getting out and about less
In order to stay safe, most of us not obliged to go out for work have been spending a lot more time at home. lots of social events have moved online and it’s even possible to get a COVID test at home, by dialling 504-370-9966 to arrange a visit from a specially trained paramedic or EMT.
It’s a service that’s proving incredibly popular according to ReliefSeeker.com president, Andrew McDermott: “While COVID infection rates are skyrocketing across the country and winter arrives, people are finding it much more convenient to have a test administered right at home or work and eliminate an extra trip to an urgent care center or other testing facility where they could be at-risk for infection.”
Spending more time at home means we’re getting creative in new ways, taking on artistic and crafting projects that we never had time for before and acquiring new skills in the process. We’re reinventing our domestic spaces and finding new ways to enjoy family time.
We’re adjusting to new ways of working
For many of us, working from home has become the most practical option – indeed, if you’ve been in contact with the disease and are required to self-isolate, it’s the only option. Businesses have been hastily adapting to new technology and, as a result, many expect to offer their staff more flexible options after the pandemic is over. Many of us have had to learn new skills to stay on schedule and manage distractions, but few people have missed the daily commute. While unemployment has risen, many job opportunities are likely to open up again as soon as we’re able to start getting back to normal.
We’re switching to online learning
With K12 schools producing increasingly good online learning materials for children, parents who never considered homeschooling before are having to get up to speed, while college students are rapidly adapting to distance learning. One of the good things to come out of all this is that many adults are getting back into learning for the first time in years. With lots of free online courses available, this crisis has become an opportunity for people to expand their horizons and even start exploring new career paths.
Life in a pandemic is tough, but it’s a long way from crushing the Californian spirit. While we might miss the way things were, and certainly the people we shared those times with, this is an opportunity to make positive changes which can enrich our lives in the future.