Lessons learnt from COVID-19 pandemic
OBVIOUS NEGATIVES surround COVID, but very rarely has it been observed in public spaces where so many persons were compliant to strict adherence to mask wearing, social- distancing protocols and hygienic practices. This is a clear demonstration that while, as a country, we are uncomfortable with required regulations, in the face of adversity we are able to look beyond immediate gratification and focus on the bigger picture.
Since the COVID-19 outbreak, we have seen the emergence of several variants with varying degrees of transmission rates and symptoms. Several methods to alleviate symptoms and curtail spread have been applied, with varying degrees of success.
Many valuable lessons have been learnt. There is greater reliance on technology to fill the void created when schools as well as places of work were forced to close in order to curtail viral spread. There is no other single instance where such a mass exodus from faceto-face to virtual platforms was witnessed.
Local, regional and international health bodies also made good use of technology to support the education of doctors and patients, and to collect and report data as it related to new cases, adverse effects, and vaccination monitoring.
Communication platforms such as Zoom saw an unprecedented rise in usage. This also highlighted some limitations, such as the lack of universal access to affordable and reliable Internet services.
Traditional medical knowledge was used to curtail viral spread and alleviate symptoms, coupled with new emerging science surrounding viral behaviour. Mechanical ventilation was not always helpful in managing patients with respiratory distress, whereas social isolation and mental illnesses rose during the pandemic, highlighting the need for greater mental care. While some of these challenges presented with hiccups, they speak to our resilience as a people and, more over, as human beings. As we continue to battle these viruses, all methods must be used: mask wearing, social distancing, sanitization, education, communication, and empathy. Vaccinations must be delivered in a timely, cost-effective manner utilising the various forms of technology available to us.
Our community and technology, knowledge and education, coupled with properly managed resource allocation, all play an essential role in combating COVID-19.