The CoronaWars continue. The world is changed. Pollution is down. Virtual meetings are keeping the economy afloat. Non-COVID-19 A&E referrals are down. Schools are using more digital media than ever. We can't go back to the way we were. Can we? Surely not.
There are images being released of cities like Mumbai, India, where the difference in pollution is immense. It's a real eye-opener and a more that valid argument for climate change activists to prove that we need to change. Less fossil cars, less aeroplanes, less fossil fuel power stations.
I hope that companies will think twice about sending colleagues abroad when apps such as Zoom are proving to be an excellent substitute. If my daughter can continue dance lessons on the platform (not ideal but its keeps things going) then business can conduct international relations without all the international travel.
I doubt A&E referrals will stay low once lockdown ends and social distancing is reduced/removed. After all, people have accidents. There are less because there are less people on the road and less people taking part in dangerous activities (although a bunch of surfers still carried on, causing the coastguard to spring into action unnecessarily). However, the way people use the medical system must change. That has needed to happen for a long time - particularly people's need for unnecessary antibiotics as one example. Do we always need to see a GP? Do we always need to call 999 when 111 would suffice?
Schools MUST change. I think I'll write more about this soon but for now it is important for all involved in education (not just the usual 'school leaders'). Why all involved? Acceptance and take up of the change that is needed. Aspects of remote learning must be used. Homework can be completed digitally. Work for absent children can be posted and completed digitally. In secondary schools - particularly Year 12 and 13 - online lessons must become normal.
Finally, the NHS must be funded properly. It's probably running as it should be at the moment. This funding must stay where it is. If people can give millions of pounds to Captain Tom or any other fund raising event, surely they can accept a little bit of extra tax to raise the absolutely necessary funds to keep the NHS working at optimum level. We'll see.
Be good. Work hard. Have fun.
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