7 Silver Linings From COVID-19

By Matthew Clark

The 2020 COVID-19 pandemic is a horrible, despicable experience that all of us cannot wait to be over. It would be better for the entire world, every country, and every person, if it never happened at all. While there are is a lot of blame to go around, multitudes of terrified people, and impending devastating economic repercussions, there are, however, a few silver linings in the coronavirus cloud:

1. Less Pollution
With social distancing in place, and business establishments being forced to close at break-neck recession-like speed, there are less automobiles on the road than ever before. Even here in Los Angeles, where traffic is horrifically legendary, the gridlock is non-existent. Planes, cars, etc. have all pretty much ceased to run for the most part.

This creates less pollution, which is great for the environment and decreasing our carbon footprint. Ironically, most people didn't stop driving because of climate change threats (which is 1,000,000 x worse than COVID-19), but a virus stops them in their tracks. Go figure.

2. Working Remotely
A lot of companies have switched their workforce to be able to work from home. For many, being set-up and able to work remotely is a welcomed change. It gives employees the benefit of still receiving a paycheck, while also keeping them safe and allowing them to work in the comfort of their personal abode.

3. Removing the Necessity of Renting Office Space
Speaking of working remotely, a lot of companies are beginning to see that they can effectively have their employees work remotely, while also increasing efficiency and giving more flexibility to scheduling. When this is all over, many companies will realize they can continue their operations without having to pay the overhead of rented commercial space.

This will save money for employers in the long run, while also cutting down on in-office expenses (i.e. paper supplies, coffee, janitorial fees, etc.) Let's face it, a lot of companies do not need to have their entire workforce report to an office each morning and sit in cubicles when most work can be done remotely anyway.

4. Animal Adoptions
The need for abandoned, sheltered, at-risk, and misplaced animals to find homes is greater than ever. More people at home = greater need for animal companionship. Rescue an animal today, give them a loving forever home, and be their world. You'll be a better person for it and they are awesome.

5. Being More Careful in the Future
The new norm is to wear masks, wear gloves, wash your hands, social distance, and disinfect. As a germophobe (not Howard Hughes level, but close) I have been cautious of germs my whole life. This, and a high-immune system, is why I have only been sick once in the last ten years. **knock on wood** After this pandemic is done,

I think most people will be more cautious in the future to avoid being sick, especially during travel. Taking extra precautions and being mindful of that door handle will be a new priority. And that's a good thing.

6. Giving Wildlife More Freedom
And speaking of animals, we have all seen the images of jellyfish swimming through the Venice Canal, a pride of lions resting on an African street, and more. This break is a much welcomed change for a lot of our wildlife friends. For many animals in different parts of the world, it allows them to roam freely in their natural environment without the dangers that humans can bring upon them.

7. Not Taking Everything For Granted
Baseball games, bar-hopping, walking on the sidewalk among other people, going to school, movies, Saturday nights, Monday mornings, work lunches, concerts, shopping without feeling like you are in a prison yard, so on and so forth. It's a reasonable statement to believe that most of us will cherish these things a little more once COVID-19 is dead, and they will all be a little sweeter.

Be safe, stay indoors, say a prayer, and be well.