COVID-19 AND ITS EFFECTS TO THE WORLD

Did anyone ever think about a situation where everything would suddenly stop in their normal functioning and a
new normal will be born? No one. Yes, we are facing one of the greatest adversities of time as we are dealing with this
pandemic which has affected millions of people worldwide. It is the coronavirus or COVID-19 virus which was first
discovered in 2019 and originated from China. It is unclear how it started or whether it was purposely created by certain
group of people as a form of biological weapon against enemies.

Nevertheless, none of the countries was prepared for the outbreak of the virus that they did not know what to
do at the onset of transmission. This has caused the sudden increase in the cases which forced the affected countries to
implement lockdowns and prevent international travels. Unfortunately, the implementation of lockdowns was already
late that transmissions has already begun prior to the restrictions. The businesses and schools are closed and students
had to be on distance learning. We had to undergo different kinds of quarantine. The children and old people are not
allowed to go out and those who are allowed have to follow health protocols, such as wearing of facemasks, practicing
social distancing and disinfecting of hands. Those who do not follow the health protocols are being punished.

The new normal has good and bad effects to us. It has affected many lives, some were taken away and some
have managed to survive. Also, because of the restrictions, we cannot do what we used to do before, such was holding
big gatherings and celebrations, traveling with the whole family not to mention that the pandemic caused a lot of people
to lose their jobs and rely on government relief goods which is just heartbreaking. However, it allowed most people to
work from home so they get to spend more time with their family and become closer to them. They get to rethink, slow
down and appreciate what they have.

Thankfully, after a year of waiting, the vaccines have arrived and as of now, a large number of people have
already been vaccinated. Hopefully, the herd immunity will be achieved soon so the number of cases will drop and the
virus will be vanished and will just be a part of history.

The effects of this pandemic is immeasurable as it has devastated every nation but through the strong efforts of
its leaders and the cooperation among its people, it will be eradicated and everything should go back to normal so we
can enjoy life again.