Technological impact of the Coronavirus

Published in El Pais, 15 April 2020.

The Coronavirus is continuing to take its toll on not just in Bolivia but the entire world. Not only are people sick and dying but job losses are mounting and when this is over the world will likely be in a global recession. No country can be fully prepared for this but the coronavirus is inevitably exposes flaws in the country’s preparedness. Below are some observations on how not only Bolivia but the rest of the world can use technology to make changes for the future.

Effects on the country

Negative effects of this pandemic are obvious both medically and economically but we are seeing problems with the communications infrastructure as well. Though not as important, the reality is with everyone staying at home, internet providers are seeing a surge in traffic and many of them are unable to keep up, not even to mention the dead zones in the rural mountainous regions that do not even have internet. Almost a quarter of Bolivians do not have access to internet and as trivial as this may seem, this is more than just a disruption of Netflix as many rely on the internet for up to date information and advice regarding the pandemic and having outdated information can put many lives at risk.

While everyone is stuck at home they are finding ways to keep themselves entertained and of course television and movies are at centre stage. While looking for something to watch you may have noticed a lot of newer movies available to rent. Like everything else, theatres are shut down until further notice, many blockbuster films such as James Bond have been pushed back but production companies are taking a different rout with some of their films. Films that have been out for a short time or had their original release date during the quarantine are being made available straight to streaming. The prices are high but if you are a family of 4 it is significantly cheaper than going to the movies, and for all you parents out there, you may like the fact that you can simply stream “Trolls: World Tour” in your living room instead of having to go to the theatre and watch it with them.  Once this is all over production companies may look at direct to streaming as an option for many films which would really help your wallet.

This Quarantine could be a lot worse

The WHO stopped calling it social distancing for a reason, just because you are distant does not mean you can stop being social. Long gone are the days where you have to send letters to people and wait weeks for a response. Fortunately, there are alternatives to meeting people face to face. Take advantage of various social apps like Zoom that will allow you to converse with your friends safely. Also make the effort to check in on people once and a while to see how they are doing. It is not the same as face to face socializing but at the very least it can help maintain some sanity.

What we need to change

Sometimes we may be sick with a mild cold and can still work but that does not mean heading to the office is a good idea as you can spread your illness to your coworkers. Currently taking time off in Bolivia due to illness is very difficult. Often workplaces require a note that requires many to go to a hospital when medical intervention is not needed. Of course, managers need to be more accommodating with sick days but if you are under tight deadlines working from home can be a nice alternative. Companies should have workshops on how to properly set up a home office and use their connections to buy equipment at bulk to allow staff to purchase them individually at a reduced cost. This will not only get them better prepared for future disasters it would allow employees to continue to work without spreading their germs. Virtual meetings do not have to be limited to the workplace. Here in Canada doctors are doing any appointment possible virtually to help limit the spread of the Coronavirus. Currently all patients with respiratory symptoms must go to the hospital, and those who have other issues are being asked to book a virtual appointment with the doctor. This is a practice that should be encouraged long after the quarantine is over.

Now people are putting their lives into their hands to get basic necessities. Grocery stores must be more accommodating for online shopping. Only now have Bolivian markets started to expand their online presence and it is still limited, forcing shoppers to go out in public more than is necessary. This will be safer for not only shoppers but for employees who have no choice but to go out in public instead of isolate at home. 

Finally, we need to change. Not everything can be blamed on the government, we need to obey the quarantine and change our habits. We need to take advantage of delivery options rather than hoard goods to prevent others from getting it. We need to know to stay home when we are sick even if we just have a cold and if you really must go out, continue to practice distancing measures and wear a mask to prevent the spread to others. If your friends are selfish and go out call them out on it, and do not be afraid to uninvite them to your party if they complain of being unwell.