As the Coronavirus well and truly sinks its teeth into the UK, one thing is becoming clear – this problem isn’t going to disappear quickly. In fact, with every new restriction, we’re all left wondering more and more about what the long-term implications could mean.
The main trouble we’re finding is that no one really knows what’s going to happen tomorrow, let alone in twelve months. And, while it’s all well and good to consider what’s going on in the now, we’re in for a nasty shock when we finally do step out into this brave new world.
In fact, once you start delving into the facts, it’s plain to see that this pandemic has already made significant shifts in life as we once knew it, and will continue to do so for perhaps years after normal activities resume.
While it makes sense the government are focusing on the now, then, shouldn’t we also be considering the following long-term possibilities?
Setbacks across medical fields
The medical industry is, by far, expecting the worst hit. Sadly, while our prime minister is busy securing much-needed beds and medical equipment, other areas of healthcare are falling by the wayside. Italian doctors are already having to make difficult decisions about who to treat, and they aren’t the only ones.
Researchers in medical labs across the world are piling every resource into cures for Covid-19, leaving a question mark over oher research areas such as the neuropharmacology that was recently outlined as the highest medical impact factor by Bentham Science. Of course we need to address this virus head-on, but where does that leave patients attempting to fight other conditions?
The demise of small businesses
Already, small businesses are struggling to stay afloat, particularly amidst changes in the hospitality industry. And, while the chancellor has announced tax breaks and loan assists, many report that this monetary aid will be little help.
Even companies who are eligible are announcing that they will only be able to stay afloat for a while longer before facing complete closure. As such, there’s every chance we’ll come out of this with next to no small businesses left, a shift that’s guaranteed to have an untold impact on our economy.
Stalling at startup
Experts have also expressed significant concerns regarding our ability to start up again should total lockdown become necessary. In its broadest sense this concern again concerns business, but individuals who lose their livelihoods are also guaranteed to struggle getting back on their feet.
Worse, once government funding comes to an end, which it will inevitably will at some point, there’s no telling how we can begin rebuilding what’s lost.
No one’s suggesting that attention should shift from tackling this pandemic in the here and now. Lives are very much at risk, after all, and immediate action should rightly be our main concern. But, as these worries highlight, totally taking our eyes off the future of the UK could well see Coronavirus shaping our futures, as well as our present.
