Can you believe 2024 makes it the fourth anniversary of the COVID-19 pandemic?
Time flies, huh? For many of us, it feels like a long time ago, while for others, the memories are still fresh, etched into our minds like yesterday.
The pandemic brought about a heap load of challenges, from the heartbreaking loss of loved ones to the economic upheaval that rocked communities worldwide. Lives were upended, dreams put on hold, and the very fabric of society was tested in ways we could never have imagined. But I had to ask myself what did we learned from that experience.
An estimated 1.2 million people nationwide died from COVID-19 in the last four years, according to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
One of the most glaring revelations of the pandemic was the disparities it exposed in our society. Vulnerable populations bore the brunt of the pandemic’s impact, with communities of color facing disproportionately higher rates of infection and death. The pandemic laid bare the structural inequalities plaguing our healthcare system and society.
The US government spent about $4.4 trillion to address the pandemic, eventually increasing the national debt.
It also highlighted the critical importance of mental health and well-being. As we dealt with isolation, uncertainty and loss, many found ourselves struggling with anxiety, depression and other mental health challenges. Thousands were laid off, small businesses were shutting down and the long period of staying indoors was killing more people emotionally.
Let’s not forget our healthcare workers who emerged as true heroes, risking their lives on the front lines to care for the sick and vulnerable. I know I couldn’t do it. They were out in the hospitals, saving lives and putting their lives in danger, while much of the world stayed at home and communicated through video phones.
For me, COVID-19 was my period of rest. The hard pause was needed for me to relax, regroup and reset. I was able to tap into my creativity that I thought I didn’t have time for because I’m feeding the beast called capitalism every day. I built a solid community online and took my time to build skills I was interested in, and it served me well after the pandemic.
One thing is for sure: COVID-19 did what Trump did and exacerbated inequities that already existed in this country. In other words, we are more depressed, secluded, obese and disconnected as the years go on. The pandemic showed us how much work we still have left.
What’s your earliest pandemic memory?
