The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has already claimed thousands of lives to date. It has caused grief and fear to a lot of us. Thus it is probably quite hard to be positive right now. But as there are two sides of a coin as there is yin and yang, every unfortunate event somehow comes with it a fortunate outcome. We shall hope to see that sunshine after a rainy day. So, what else can somehow emerge from the pandemic? Here are some thoughts:

1. People have become more hygienic
   Admit that you have oftentimes – if not most of the time – dabbed your hands with alcohol or sanitizer than the usual because of the COVID-19 scare, right? The 20-second hand-washing rule with soap and water might even be a new practice to some to eliminate bacteria, germs, and viruses effectively. Daily baths may be routinary, but others might have also considered changing clothes and taking a bath directly after being away from their homes for a couple of minutes.
2. Heightened sensitivity among people
   People tend to react when someone sneezes or coughs which can be seen through their facial expressions. Have you noticed it especially when riding jeepneys? Some grimace, eyes pop and show that skeptical look. The wearing of trendy face masks may have started by avid Korean fans to imitate artists who use it to hide their identity in public, but now face masks are mostly used to cover one’s nose because of air pollution and to be safe from COVID-19. People now have heightened sensitivity towards their health to protect themselves and others.
3. Increased family bonding
   The time provided by class suspension, work from home, and enhanced community quarantine should provide us with more meal and prayer time with our loved ones. It may not be the case for all, but it seems like we were taken back to that summer break experience we’d all look forward to but one that is free from vacation or travel expenses.
4. Provided time to relearn or learn
   It could be drudging to stay at home 24/7, but it will also be an avenue for us to relive our abilities, talents, and skills like playing the guitar, piano, or violin; writing poems and short stories, among other things. It can also be an opportunity for us to learn something new by reading a book, watching a vlog, or simply learning mom’s special recipe.
5. Fortified collaboration with the government and other groups
   The pandemic has encouraged the public to cooperate with government rules and policies. Schools, offices, and different establishments have created precautionary measures to avoid the disease and have modified their operations for the benefit of the people. The health crisis has also gathered benefactors and generous persons to assist frontliners of COVID-19 by providing their needs like food, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs), and others sparking inspiration that goodness can still be freely given in times of difficulty and hardship.

The above-mentioned ideas about what good can come from COVID-19 might just be relevant to the existence of the pandemic, but will it sustain after the health crisis is over? We all have our take on this. What is yours? (JDF)