Disaster brings out the best and the worst of the human race. Our natural instinct is to take care of ourselves and our loved ones. And sometimes we are willing to do that at the expense of others. The empty shelves in the supermarkets are evidence of that.
Then we have those incredible humans who are willing to don hazmat suits and treat those who are infected by serious diseases. People who will put helping others above themselves, who are sometimes too willing and it is to their own detriment. When I think of this I think of the doctor in Wuhan who first tried to raise the alert about the virus and is now dead. Because he treated others he lost his life. Making it even sadder, his wife is due to give birth in June.
I would like to think we can find a balance of both. Where we can take care of ourselves and our own, while also taking care of those around us. In a time of a pandemic, staying home when we don’t need to go out is one way to do this. Sure we might have to miss out on some things but we have to ask are they that important in the overall scheme.
If we can work from home, even if it is not the ideal work environment, we can do this. If we can only go to public places when we need to, then we should do that. And when we go to stores or health care providers, we must be mindful of the staff doing their best to help us. We must show them respect and also help keep them safe.
For the businesses who are financially impacted by this pandemic, uncertain times are ahead. Some are already suffering and for many of them it may lead to dire situations for their business. This in turn will effect their staff and have a flow on effect from that.
Financially, who knows how this is all going to play out but there are some small things we can do to help. Think about where you are spending your money. If you have a choice between spending with a small business or big business, maybe choose the small one even if it might cost a little extra.
As individuals we can try and be the best humans we can be. That means taking care of ourselves, our loved ones and our society. Look out for those who need help and if you can do something then do it.