Exploring the past: The COVID-19 pandemic and its impact

By: Sarthak Singhal

“The story we shall read is set in the future, when the COVID-19 pandemic is over and children are unaware of it.”

Alec started writing about his day in his diary. The heading was 10th February 2089, and he wrote, “Today I learned about the COVID-19 pandemic!”

“I came across an incredibly old story, as the name suggests, COVID-19 started in 2019. It originated in China. My grandfather told me that the pandemic began when he was very young. Today, I studied it in my history book and wanted to learn more about it, so I decided to Google it. I discovered that it was a deadly virus that lasted for more than five years, claiming many lives worldwide.”

However, Alec’s curiosity was still unsatisfied, so he closed his diary and approached his grandfather to learn more about the virus. “Gramps, I want to know more about the virus you mentioned earlier. I have all the details, but I am really interested in how people felt and coped during those five years. I want to know the intricate details of their daily lives.”

Gramps agreed and asked Alec to sit beside him. He said, “During that time, due to the virus, all schools and offices were closed. In India, we went into a complete lockdown for the first two months.”

Alec exclaimed with amusement, “That must have been fun, no school and no tests to take!” Gramps responded, “Yes, we also thought it would be fun not to go to school, studying through online classes and meetings. But as time went by, we realised that going to school, spending time with friends, playing soccer, attending offline classes, and having lunch in the canteen was much more enjoyable. Additionally, many people suffered from unemployment as the economy came to a standstill. People couldn’t meet their loved ones and celebrate festivals together.”

Alec then asked, “How did things return to normal?” Gramps explained, “After extensive research, scientists around the world were able to develop a vaccine, which was then produced by different companies in their respective countries. The virus also stopped mutating, and over time, people developed a natural immunity against it.”

Reflecting on what he had learned, Alec said, “Gramps, I now understand how difficult it must have been for people to live with that kind of uncertainty.” Gramps responded, “It was a very challenging period for those who lost their loved ones, but life goes on. We should be prepared to face any challenges that come our way.”

The next day, when Alec saw someone wearing a mask, it reminded him of the time of COVID.