What are the Positive and Negative Impacts of Covid – 19 Pandemic ?

Covid – 19 is a mixed experience to all of us . It is a boon as well as a bane . It is a melody mixed with some tragedy . It has pros as well some cons . It has taught the world in its own way . Its blissful as well as baneful effect is simply undeniable .

The score card of Covid-19 pandemic is studded with both positive and negative numbers . The Novel Corona virus has both positive and negative effect .

what is virus ?

Viruses are the smallest of all the microbes. They are said to be so small that 500 million rhinoviruses (which cause the common cold) could fit on to the head of a pin.

They are unique because they are only alive and able to multiply inside the cells of other living things. The cell they multiply in is called the host cell.

A virus is made up of a core of genetic material, either DNA or RNA, surrounded by a protective coat called a capsid which is made up of protein. Sometimes the capsid is surrounded by an additional spikey coat called the envelope.

Viruses are capable of latching onto host cells and getting inside them. Viruses are microscopic parasites, generally much smaller than bacteria. They lack the capacity to thrive and reproduce outside of a host body. 

How do Viruses get their Names ?

Viruses are named based on their genetic structure to facilitate the development of diagnostic tests, vaccines and medicines.

Virologists and the wider scientific community do this work, so viruses are named by the International Committee on Taxonomy of Viruses (ICTV).

Name some Viruses :-

Some famous viruses are :-

• smallpox.
• the common cold and different types of flu.
• measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, and shingles.
• hepatitis.
• herpes and cold sores.
• polio.
• rabies.
• Ebola and Hanta fever.

What is corona Virus ?

Corona viruses are large group of viruses that cause illness in humans and animals. Rarely, animal corona viruses can evolve and infect people and then spread between people such as has been seen with MERS and SARS.

Although most human coronavirus infections are mild, the epidemics of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), have caused more than 10,000 cumulative cases in the past two decades, with mortality rates of 10% for SARS-CoV.

Corona virus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered corona virus.

Most people infected with the COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment.  Older people, and those with underlying medical problems like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness.

What is Covid – 19 ?

In humans, several corona viruses are known to cause respiratory infections ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS). The most recently discovered corona virus causes corona virus disease COVID-19.

Has Corona virus come Before ?

Human corona viruses, first characterized in the 1960 s, are responsible for a substantial proportion of upper respiratory tract infections in children. Since 2003, at least 5 new human corona viruses have been identified, including the severe acute respiratory syndrome corona virus, which caused significant morbidity and mortality.

 NL63, representing a group of newly identified group I coronaviruses that includes NL and the New Haven coronavirus, has been identified worldwide.

These viruses are associated with both upper and lower respiratory tract disease and are likely common human pathogens. The global distribution of a newly identified group II coronavirus, HKU1, has not yet been established. Coronavirology has advanced significantly in the past few years.

The SARS epidemic put the animal coronaviruses in the spotlight. The background and history relative to this important and expanding research area are reviewed here.

Where does this Corona Virus come from ?

The Novel Corona virus, which first sickened people in China in December, is thought to have passed from animals to humans, like many similar pathogens, but nothing has been confirmed yet by any peer-reviewed scientific research, global public health agency or academic expert. Beyond that, little is known about its origin.

Although finding the source wouldn’t necessarily help scientists develop vaccines or other direct treatments, it could provide crucial pieces of information on how it emerged and evolved. And scientists are using lessons learned from previous outbreaks to know how to approach this one.

Why is this Virus called Corona virus ?

Coronaviruses are composed of genetic material surrounded by a round envelope that has protein spikes on the outside that resemble the spikes on a crown, the metal headgear worn by many monarchs across the world, WHO explained in a video. “Crown” in Latin is “corona,” hence the name corona virus.

Which Country has First Invented Vaccine for Corona Virus :-

 Russia on Tuesday ( 11 . 08 . 2020 ) became the first country to clear a coronavirus vaccine and declare it ready for use, despite international skepticism.

President Vladimir Putin said that one of his daughters has already been inoculated.Putin emphasized that the vaccine underwent the necessary tests and has proven efficient, offering a lasting immunity from the coronavirus.

However, scientists at home and abroad have been sounding the alarm that the rush to start using the vaccine before Phase 3 trials — which normally last for months and involve thousands of people — could backfire.

The Russian leader added that one of his two adult daughters has received two shots of the vaccine. “She has taken part in the experiment,” Putin said.

Effect or Symptom of Corona Virus ?

A corona virus is a kind of common virus that causes an infection in your nose, sinuses , or upper throat. Most corona viruses aren’t dangerous.

In early 2020, after a December 2019 outbreak in China, the World Health Organization identified SARS-CoV-2 as a new type of corona virus The outbreak quickly spread around the world.

The main symptoms include:

• Fever
• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Trouble breathing
• Fatigue
• Chills, sometimes with shaking
• Body aches
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Loss of smell or taste
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

The virus can lead to pneumonia , respiratory failure, septic shock , and death. Many COVID-19 complications may be caused by a condition known as cytokine release syndrome or a cytokine storm.

This is when an infection triggers your immune system to flood your bloodstream with inflammatory proteins called cytokines.

They can kill tissue and damage your organs.

If you notice the following severe symptoms in yourself or a loved one, get medical help right away:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Ongoing chest pain  or pressure
• New confusion
• Can’t wake up fully
• Bluish lips or face

What are the Positive Effects of Corona Virus ?

1. It’s a big opportunity for the Indian economy

The Reserve Bank of India and the government will have to act quickly as a united front. Think tax cuts, increased liquidity, forbearance to lenders, credit and credit-guarantee to SMEs, and lower interest rates.

The post-COVID-19 scenario for India does not look as grim as most people deem it to be according to leading economists of the country.

Combined with a stimulus package of $100-120 billion, it will restore the purchasing power to the populace sooner than earlier deemed during the onset of the COVID-19 crises.

If India takes a leaf out of the pages of the US and Singapore economies and trusts the indigenous businesses, the economic recovery will be much sooner for the country.

2. Falling prices of fuel

As of the beginning of April, the state fuel retailers in Delhi  sold around 17% less petrol and 25% less diesel in March 2020, as compared to March 2019.

This comes after the initiation of a country-wide lockdown, where all major transportation have been stopped to control and contain the spread of the novel coronavirus.

Private vehicles on the roads is a rare sight as well. By the second week of March 2020, local prices of petrol and diesel were down by INR 4.55 and INR 4.70 per litre in Mumbai.

Economists expect diesel and petrol prices to drop further as crude oil prices hit a 13-month low in India.

The crude oil prices in the US are falling steadily and the cost might average out at $43 per barrel in 2020 in contrast to $64 per barrel in 2019.

A $1 drop in crude oil prices will correspond to a reduction in the country’s import bill by a sharp INR 2,900 crore.

The falling rates of crude oil will leave more liquid cash in the hands of the vehicle owners by the end of 2020.

3 . Wildlife is rejuvenating

Apart from sighting the occasional leopard on the streets of quasi-urban Maharashtra and spotting flocks of flamingos in Navi Mumbai other wildlife including that of mountain goats, bison, wild cats, fishing cats, civets and birds.

Migratory birds are returning to lakes and water bodies they had once abandoned due to heavy pollution and human intervention.

Nature is healing while people restrict their movement outdoors and vehicles retreat to garages and depots.

Not everything about the novel coronavirus pandemic is abysmal as we can see from the above six instances.

Like every other pandemic, this too shall pass, but not without exacting its toll. In the meantime, self-isolation during this extended period of lockdown can become a tinsel bit more bearable when we manage to focus on the positive impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has brought to India and the rest of the world .

4 . Boosting localism

Up until the beginning of 2020, it was all about internationalization and globalization of businesses.

Right now, it’s all about staying home, inquiring about the health of your neighbours, leaving home only to buy locally and boosting the local community.

This lockdown has inspired family-time and local-time among the millions of citizens living in the metros of the country.

While people are rarely leaving their homes, if at all, they are spending more time on streaming platforms, playing board games with their family and spending quality time with their kids.

5 . The air is cleaner and the environment is greener

Greenhouse gas emissions and pollution levels across the country have fallen significantly. Half a year ago Delhi  was gasping for a breath of fresh air saw “positively alpine” air quality a couple of days ago. 

Delhi is currently enjoying one of the lowest air pollution levels seen in the past decade or longer.

The same is true for other metropolitan cities like Mumbai and Kolkata.

6 . Crime incidents have become rarer

Crime rates in Delhi  and Gurugram have plummeted in the last one month after the COVID-19 fear almost paralyzed the cities.

Delhi  police have registered only 2,000 cases including petty theft, robbery and automobile theft since March 15, 2020. It represents a sharp 42% drop in crime rates in the capital of India.

The drop in crime rates correspond to the reduction in the percentage of vehicle thefts, which has given some mental peace to owners of personal and commercial vehicles some mental peace in these tumultuous times.

A similar drop in crime rates has also been witnessed across other major cities like Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai.

The Prime Minister’s decision of a complete lockdown for 21-days and the vigilance by the local law enforcement has contributed significantly to the steep decline in the crime rate in several cities and towns.

7 . Helps you Build Genuine Relationships

We all have been so busy living the ‘life,’ many of us have lost those real, genuine moments we have with our loved ones. It could have been the busy schedules, running around to make ends meet, & rushing to be in urgent meetings.

Sure, maybe you were lucky enough to go for family vacations every now & then. But even then, didn’t you dread those pending files waiting at your workstation?

Now, the COVID-19 situation has positively impacted the way you emote and maintain relationships.

You get to spend your time with your family and plan your work better. This actually helps you build a better future for both your work and family.

8 . Entire Lifestyle Changes to Practice Better Hygiene :-

Times have changed, and people are now aware of how important it is to keep yourself clean.

As social animals, the very engineering of humans is the ability to emote & connect with fellow beings.

That’s not going to change, and that’s something we cannot change. But these recent times have made us all aware of how to do that more hygienically.

From shaking hands to namaste, we all have had a lifestyle change for the good. We’re going to remember to cover your mouths when we cough, to sanitize our hands after touching anything else because we know what can happen if we don’t.

9 . Innovations to Stay Connected & Help Each Other

This quarantine welcomes ideas, hacks, tips, & tricks to beat the lockdowns & help our communities.

Companies across the world have started thinking about coming up with product & service ranges that enable you to be as connected as you are with your teams and also your loved ones.

Finding creative ways to not let the boredom of four walls get you is the newest trend and rightfully so!

This has opened a new way of thought. Organizations cannot just stop functioning altogether, and each is coming up with the ultimate ideas to attract & sustain both their customers & employees.

This may as well lead to breakthroughs & innovations. You see, innovation happens for nothing, but when the environment demands it! And let’s wait for the coolest ideas that can take the world by a storm.

10 . Remote Working Turning Mainstream

From Zapier to Aha to Invision, many companies, now, work remotely, with 100% of the workforce functioning virtually- with little to zero physical offices at all. Even we, at SurveySparrow, has undergone the transition and built a remote team With cities locked down, organizations across the globe had to make this obligatory shift towards this realm of working remotely.

What are the Negative effects of corona Virus ?

There are multiple negative effects of Corona virus . They are as follows : –

1 . Economic Recession

The economic crisis unleashed by the outbreak of COVID-19 is hurting economies, regardless of income level.

The most recent data from UNIDO’s seasonally adjusted Index of Industrial Production (April 2020 vs December 2019) indicate that both lower- and upper middle-income countries have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 .

2 . Global Recession

Many countries are experiencing a recession, even though COVID-19 has not had a serious effect on them in terms of health.

Even minor public health events can severely affect firms in lower income countries due to their poor socio-economic conditions (vulnerability) and their weak capacity to respond to crises (resilience).

Moreover, in a globalized world, many countries are suffering indirect consequences from value chain disruptions and lower international demand for goods due to widespread recession.

3 . No job

A comparison of IIP data (adjusted to take seasonal effects into account) for March 2020 vs December 2019 shows that approximately 81 per cent of countries have experienced a decrease in industrial production of 6 per cent on average.

A comparison of data for April 2020 vs December 2019 reveals that industrial production fell by 20 per cent on average in 93 per cent of countries .

4 . No Inflow of Cash

The results on firms’ expectations about future profits and employment growth are less dispersed across countries, and portray a gloomy picture. Half of the firms surveyed expect a drastic decline in company profits (50 per cent or higher) for the year 2020

5 . Physical Inactivity

Physical fitness  is defined as any bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles that require energy expenditure.  There are two components to physical activity that need to considered – Aerobic fitness , Strength and balance .

The Covid-19  pandemic is an unprecedented time all across the world. Worldwide, extensive social distancing  policies are put into place, restricting people’s daily activities and worldwide pleas from governments asking people to stay safe and stay at home.

This of course means that most people will spend much of their time (if not all) at home.

6 . Erosion of Fund from Savings Account

With nationwide lockdown due to COVID-19 pandamic and most business and offices shut, 87 per cent citizens believe their household earnings in the next 12 months will reduce in comparison to last year, says the latest survey.

7 . Unprepared teachers for online education

Online learning is a special kind of methodology and not all teachers are good at it or at least not all of them were ready for this sudden transition from face to face learning to online learning.

Thus, most of the teachers are just conducting lectures on video platforms such as Zoom which may not be real online learning in the absence of a dedicated online platform specifically designed for the purpose.

8 . Sluggish cross-border movement of students

Universities in many countries such as Australia, UK, New Zealand, and Canada are highly dependent on the movement of students from China and India.Many parents will avoid sending students abroad for higher education due to high risk from the pandemic.

Conclusion :-

In this way the candidates preparing for IELTS / TOEFL have to prepare and think in a multidimensional way for Cue card session . Covid – 19 as well as its positive and negative impacts is the most important topic for 2021 and onward .

About the Author

Indrajit Ganguly

Hi ! I am Indrajit Ganguly. People all across the globe know me by my professional nickname IG. I am a spoken English language teacher and Blogger from India. I love to write article which attracts me.

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