COVID TOPICS

(NOT) BUSINESS AS USUAL

Businesses, especially smaller, family-owned ones, were among the hardest hit when governments all over the world forced any non-essential activities to shut down. The economic damage, which is still being felt and could yet worsen, has led to the most severe financial crisis since the Second World War.

SURREAL SPORT

With travel and mobility severely restricted, amateur and professional athlete alike had to improvise new ways of staying in shape, while fans of elite sports were made to stay away from the stadiums and remotely support their teams in new, creative ways

CORONA WORLD

While the crisis has wreaked havoc and devastated communities around the world, several community initiatives have stepped up to help those who are most vulnerable to the damaging socio-economic impact of Covid-19 and keep neighborhood spirits up

LEADERS

In times of crisis, nations turned to their political leaders for strength and guidance. The response has varied wildly, with some leaders garnering widespread praise for their tough but necessary actions by shutting down most of society to slow the spread of the disease. Others have been derided for their relative lack of action or denial of the severity of the pandemic

FORCE OF NATURE

As human beings hid behind closed doors, emptying our towns, nature was quick to reassert itself and make its mark on our deserted urban spaces. 

GHOST TOWNS

One of the most surreal and unnerving aspects of the pandemic and related lockdowns was the sight of normally heaving metropolises become eerily deserted, almost overnight, as entire populations were either strongly urged or forced to remain confined at home

KEEPING THE FAITH

In times of crisis, many turn to religion for guidance. But people of faith have been banned from gathering in their houses of worship for fear of new clusters developing in their communities.

GRIEVING

For many who lost their lives to the disease, as well as those who died of unrelated causes, the widespread bans on any gatherings meant that thousands of people died alone, without any of their relatives by their side. Relatives who could not even mourn their deaths and give them a final farewell.

ART IS CONTAGIOUS

Artistic initiatives, both to keep struggling artists afloat and busy and to ease the claustrophobia and boredom of confinement, have become a central part of life under lockdown and key to keeping the community’s spirits up.

COVERING UP

Whether for health workers, world leaders or the general population, wearing masks of varying shapes, styles and designs in public is now a part of everyday life, although many question their effectiveness and resist calls to wear them.