With the world as it is, and very likely to be so again, we’ve composed this piece, compiling our thoughts on some changes which would make our communities less susceptible to viral influences in future.
The truth is that this pandemic is not the first - nor will it be the last. Before Covid-19, there was AIDS, and at first nobody knew how it was contracted. Before that, there was the flu virus and, although we can laugh at it now, at the time - the early 20th century - it was a killer. Ditto cholera, bubonic plague (a.k.a. the Black Death), and myriad murderous infections before that.
We’re in a position now to totally change our lifestyles, our homes and working spaces, in order to reduce and even eradicate any such ‘plagues’ or ‘pandemics’ in future. Here are a few ideas on some switches which would help.
1. Air circulation The problem with most work and play spaces is that they’re cramped and the air ventilation systems are insufficient, allowing for the spread of germs within a confined area. By installing an industrial fan, that dangerous place is transformed into a much safer space. One of the benefits of these fans is that they help air to circulate in such a way that stagnation is reduced, replacing stale air with fresh air when installed correctly. These are an item that could transform many of our public spaces, therefore.
2. Test and trace In some countries during the pandemic, a ‘test and trace’ system has turned mobile phones into devices for tracing the spread of the virus. I propose that we continue this practice in order to preempt pandemics in the future. By keeping better tabs of our illnesses and ailments, we could stop the spread of dangerous diseases before they begin. Whether this is a question of individual rights remains another matter, but I personally am of the opinion that this tech has changed how we connect - most of us have them, and all of them have GPS - so this could be utilized for our own greater good.
3. Smart tech We could use smart technology to help us in our aims. As one example, we all know that outdoor faucets can be fixed with a timer in order to reduce water wastage. How about fitting timers to indoor faucets in order to ensure 20 seconds of hand washing? This step would ensure hand cleanliness levels continued even after this pandemic has passed - and before the next one.
There are various potential solutions already around us which could be harnessed and applied to the problem of en masse public health. Have a think about anything in your own sphere, and if it’s not applied by changes in law, see if you can apply it yourself. Let’s work together to avoid pandemics, plagues, and even minor illnesses, where we can.
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