Watching how this awful, uncertain period is unfolding in ordinary pockets of Australia and the rest of the world, it's safe to say there are certain things we will never take for granted again.
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Even the simple fact of being told to stay at home has brought the immense privilege of many into stark relief.
The very concept of social isolation in the context of coronavirus has different connotations for various sectors of the community. For many, a comfortable, dutiful isolation is a privilege that can be barely be afforded, especially for those in unstable housing, living with domestic violence, or falling victim to instant unemployment and little immediate relief.
The fact that the vast majority of us in Canberra are facing extended periods inside our homes, often with our own families, shows how privileged we are.
And, stemming from this physical and psychological state are many things that may well be seen as benefits in years to come.
For instance, for those who are isolating overseas, away from family and loved ones, or even with older parents living across town, this period has made the concept and reality of family ever more important. Staying in regular contact suddenly comes naturally, and many of us are reaching out to friends we haven't contacted in ages.
As far as our physical setting goes, we have much to appreciate and be thankful for in Canberra. It's a city in which many of us can isolate ourselves outdoors without breaking any rules or endangering the health of others. It's also autumn, the trees are changing, unaffected by world events, and we can absorb the spectacular yearly displays from indoors, on a solitary walk, or from the car window. The horror summer of 2019-2020 feels far behind us, even as the news lingers of the fallout, and coastal and rural communities are still quietly picking up the pieces.
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There's also a newfound sense of community and togetherness, even as the coronavirus is forcing everyone physically apart. Many are making efforts to order takeaway food and coffee to support small business, and shopping at local grocery stores in acknowledgement of the hard times ahead. Many are supporting their neighbours, checking in with vulnerable relatives, offering to do volunteer work, donating money and food.
Food restrictions are not a reality here in Australia, only the immediate access to certain grocery staples. But the concept of stockpiling food and thinking about how to cook more and make the most of what food is available may well have long-term effects that last well beyond the virus.
Perhaps more people will be more inclined to cook at home and make do with pantry staples. There's also a renewed focus on the important of physical exercise that may well last beyond the current crisis.
The fact that cooking, reading, exercising and spending time with family suddenly seem surprisingly appealing says much about the value systems - flawed or otherwise - that we had been relying on until now.
And it's already the case that we as a society have a newfound appreciation of the many people who are helping us get through this awful time.
From the doctors and nurses on the front line, to the teachers racing to develop ways to guide parents and children through months without schooling, to the farmers, grocery store staff, delivery drivers, warehouse workers and pharmacists, all making sure the country is well stocked with food and medicine.
Imagine how differently we will look at our community after this is over.
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or the federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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