The Coronavirus pandemic has changed life as we know it. From personal lives to professional, it had an impact on almost everything. Where some industries such as healthcare and video streaming are thriving, many have been forced to shut down their operations. Global trade and economy have taken a hit and work from home has become the new norm.
Though some countries and regions of the world are slowly trying to regain time lost in quarantine, it is difficult to go back to the life we were previously leading. You cannot set foot outside the house without mask and gloves on if you don’t want to receive accusatory glances. Educational institutions cannot reopen until the threat is fully diminished. They have to continue with online classes and exams indefinitely. Most importantly, you still need to maintain social distancing when you go out whether it is for grocery shopping or to the hospital.
- The other side
Coronavirus has also very dramatically and almost instantly changed the priorities of many entrepreneurs, makers, start-up founders, researchers and innovators. They are now more focused on solving problems arising due to the pandemic and making preparations for a changed future.
Guy Galboiz, Online Marketing and Technology Expert: “In this trying time, technology has facilitated our daily lives and its various aspects. It is helping us keep up with the world and regain our bearings where work, economies, and education is concerned. Additionally, technology is also enabling our safety. It is top quality equipment that is manufacturing masks and gloves so that we may be protected from the virus. On the other hand, experts are using advanced technology to work on vaccines and cures, and diagnose patients. “
Galboiz is right, and it is further believed by tech experts that various innovations in different fields will soon come to light because of this global focus. This time of crisis after all, is also a time of availing opportunities. Here are a couple of aspects of our daily lives that are mostly likely to develop better and improved technology.
- Work from Home
Before the pandemic struck, most people were not even aware of what working from home meant. They went to the office, sat in an office or a cubicle and got their work done. However, health officials have now warned people to avoid crowded places and stay at home unless necessary. Workplaces have limited international conferences and business meetings so as to prevent more people from catching the virus. Instead, employers are now readily adapting to online video conferences and zoom meetings to keep their business intact.
Majority of the businesses in the US and other countries have transitioned to working remotely. They have also opted for flexible deadlines and work hours as the virus spreads to every nook and cranny of the world. Sick leaves are also being granted to those showing symptoms of the virus as they brricade themselves away from civilization.
- Remote learning
To ensure the safety of students, all educational institutions have shut down across the world. Thus, the field of education has dramatically changed as e-learning rises. Teachers and students are readily resorting to digital and remote platforms such as Google classrooms and Zoom. Whether it is virtual tutoring, language learning, online learning software, or video conferencing, there has been a noticeable surge since the virus started to spread. In response to greater demand, online learning platforms have provided free access to all their teleconferencing services. Other companies, on the other hand, are working on creating a one-stop shop for students and teachers alike.
- Food delivery platforms
If it wasn’t obvious before, coronavirus has highlighted the important role that food delivery platforms play in our lives. People may be stuck at home indefinitely but, their pantries are full and stocked with food.
Various consumers have quarantined themselves or are following the ‘shelter in place’ rule. Therefore, instead of going out to buy groceries, they have opted for a safer alternative. Groceries are now being delivered to their doorstep causing a rise in ‘Leave at my doorstep’ deliveries as well. Various restaurants and bars shut down to restrict the spread of the virus, have been forced to set up an online presence. Others had to re-enforce their deliveries through food applications such as UberEats.
Seeing the unprecedented rise in demand for food, supermarkets have also built apps and full-fledged delivery systems. They have created wait lists and have added to their number of pickup stores to schedule delivery windows. Meal delivery platforms are now witnessing downloads of food applications go sky high.
- Robotics
Smart helmets, disinfecting robots, cutting-edge facial recognition software, and thermal camera-equipped drones have been deployed to help mankind in this fight against the coronavirus. In addition to the former, China has also developed healthcare tech to help people identify symptoms of the virus. Advanced methods and equipment are also being used to find treatments and monitor the contagion of the disease.
A couple of Chinese companies have also come up with contactless delivery systems and spraying disinfectants to prevent cross-infection. Drones are being deployed from time to time as a way of transporting medical supplies and conducting thermal imaging.
- Battling diseases
The Spanish Flu and Ebola were witnessed before the coronavirus but neither of them changed the face of the world. The current pandemic has led to a loss of lives, global trade and forced multiple economies into a slump. However, it has made countries strive to improve their healthcare systems and bring in advancements to ensure that a health crisis of this magnitude does not resurface.
Many developed and technologically advanced countries are barely battling the coronavirus trying to keep the contagion at bay. It has made them realize that there is a lot that needs to be done. Furthermore, the entire world is focused on the healthcare sector and innovations in the industry.
- Connectivity
Amid social distancing, it is connectivity that is keeping people employed and informed. It is the reason we are able to maintain our physical and mental well-being. There is no denying that in this fight against coronavirus, digital technologies are in the front line. Digital health care solutions are the reason why symptoms of the virus are being readily detected. In short, connectivity is what is saving lives.
In multiple counties, regulations are being amended to give rise to internet capacities. In Kenya, internet balloons have that beam 4G signals are boosting connectivity in run down areas. Suspension of services due to non-payment has been prohibited in Peru by the government. Moreover, the Ministry of Telecommunications in Iraq has reverted all charges on roaming cellular calls. Oman has expanded spectrum assignments courtesy of regulators. All in all, telecom companies are working to provide faster internet speed and greater capacity at zero cost to consumers. It is due to this connectivity that people are still in contact during times of social distancing.
- Testing advancements
Since coronavirus first struck, advances have been made in testing and detection of viruses. This include genome sequencing and searching for antibodies. When the first case of this virus came to notice, diagnostic kits were pioneered soon afterwards. Labs and clinics were able to use the tests and develop results within several hours to facilitate people.
- Artificial intelligence
Artificial intelligence companies are working to ensure that it helps humanity in this battle against the virus. It is now empowered to analyze social media platforms, government documents, and news reports to inform about an outbreak. It is well-equipped to track contagious diseases and warn people of upcoming infectious ones.
A well-known AI company, Infervision has also launched a solution that allows AI to assist front-line healthcare workers as they detect and monitor the disease effectively and efficiently. This solution also lessens the burden of the imaging departments of healthcare facilities. Furthermore, it has brought about speed in CT diagnosis. Alibaba, the Chinese e-commerce giant also claims that its AI powered diagnosis system is 96% accurate when it comes to detecting the coronavirus. It is said that this tool provides results in matter of seconds.
- Protective gear
Personal protective equipment is now the need of the hour during the current pandemic. Technology has allowed quality gear to be provided to the doctors and frontline soldiers as they treat those infected with the virus. Smart protective gear has been developed to allow healthcare workers to not only monitor the temperature of their bodies but, alert them if been exposed to the particles of the virus.
The production of improved reusable and disposable face masks and gloves which consist of antiviral protective agents has kept many people safe. The shortage of these though, could have catastrophic consequences.
- Ventilators
After all the testing and detection, ventilators are what people need. If the severity of the virus increases, this particular piece of equipment is what helps patients survive. The lack of ventilators are the reason why the death toll has increased to such a great extent.
A ventilator’s need is being undermined repeatedly. The equipment pushes oxygen into the lungs to facilitate easier breathing. Some ventilators also have humidifiers attached that add moisture and heat in the air supply to balance the temperature of the patient’s body. While in care, patients are also given medication so that their respiratory muscles can relax. Due to this, the machine is able to regulate a person’s breathing.
- Thriving companies
While the outbreak may have caused a significant dent in the world economy and global trade, there are some companies whose businesses are booming. Zoom’s teleconferencing facilities have become quite popular. Educational institutions and work places are using its services for the purposes of remote learning and work.
At the same time, Facebook has reported that video calls are being conducted more frequently than before. Social media applications such as Snapchat, Instagram, and Twitter are also thriving due to an increased number of users and frequent viewing.
On the other hand, online streaming services such as Amazon Prime and Netflix are having the time of their lives. With too much time on their hands, people are resorting to subscriptions of the said services and streaming countless movies and shows. Amazon has also announced that it will have to employ more than 100,000 employees to keep up with the rising demand of its services. Along with Amazon’s online streaming services, e-commerce is also booming. Youtube is also one other online streaming service whose business is thriving at the moment especially since theatres and cinemas have been shut down.
However, the stocks of Google, Apple, Microsoft, and Facebook have taken a hit as well. Since people are spending more on healthcare and groceries, they do not have much left to spend on other services. Frankly, they are not even willing to spend more due to prevalent job uncertainty as a result of the pandemic.
- Mobile money transfer
Since businesses were not able to function normally and economies dwindling, the movement of money became slow. Due to lockdown, banks were also put on a tight leash so as to prevent the spread of the virus. Once again, technology saved the day. Mobile applications and online money transfers kept people afloat. It was readily adapted so people could transfer money across the continent and overseas. Interbank funds transfer were made free of cost and transaction charges waived. Banks improved on their current apps or built new ones from scratch to incorporate more and better services.
Guy Galboiz states: “There is no knowing when the pandemic will end and we will be allowed to resume life as per the norm. However, one thing is clear, a post-coronavirus world will be nothing like the one we used to know. Economies will have to struggle for a period of time but, with advanced technology at their disposal, there is nothing countries cannot achieve. Tech giants have already been working on different aspects of our lives to make the transition easier. Once cured, the world will be more innovative, health conscious, and better equipped to face any adversities that may arise in the future.”
This post is brought to you by Guy Galboiz
