Photo:

Kayode Tim Ogunnaike, African Canadian Seniors Network.

Life Before During and After Covid-19

Before 2019, there was no reference to COVID-19. It was officially recognized by the World Health Organization on February 11, 2020, resulting in COVID-19 becoming a house­ hold name.

Life Before COVID-19

We say everything was known to be going on normally, but what was this « normal »? Normal at that time was that people slept, woke up and went about their daily lives without paying any special attention to who was standing or seated next to them. Everyone greeted and interacted freely with each other. Then came COVID-19, and with it came significant life changes. First was the need to maintain social distancing.

Then isolation, which took its toll on those fighting illnesses in hospitals and those who lived in seniors’ homes and long-term care facilities. People who were on cruise ships on holiday were not allowed to disembark at their port of destination. This was followed by restrictions on movement to avoid transmission of the virus. Wearing masks to cover your nose and mouth became mandatory. The human living experience has changed significantly.

Going to work became impossible for most because offices and workshops were closed; in addition, schools were closed, and work from home became the order of the day. Living resources became a serious problem for many, especially for those with no permanent means to fund their livelihood. Hospitals and retirement homes became short-staffed. There were shortages of protective equipment. Uncertainty was all around us. Many lost loved ones and were unable to say goodbye or attend funeral ceremonies as no public gatherings were permitted. It was a tragic time for many as COVID-19 left a lasting impact on the human race all over the world.

The Vaccine

The scientists and doctors got to work urgently to create the vaccine, which came as a relief to many. 1, 2 and 3 doses. The 4th booster is now available.

Life After COVID-19

COVID-19 will never really go away. Cases are still being reported as new variants are being discovered. COVID-19 has changed the way of life. Structural changes in some ways that we unconsciously relate to. Many significant economic changes, such as increased cost of living, increases in food costs, increased costs for new vehicles or unavailability due to the lack of or shortages of production materials.

In general review, COVID-19 has adversely and unfavourably affected the lives of marginalized communities more than any other. It is recognized that Black immigrants who have to work onsite daily to make a living are impacted at a greater rate. This has resulted in increased psychological problems in the community. The government at all levels must pay more attention to the needs of the most affected minority communities, which continue to be at the receiving end of the adverse effects of COVID-19.

There are good recommendations from several reports on the effects of COVID-19 on marginalized communities, which include the following as areas of focus: Provide food security. Improve community engagement with the community service providers, Provision of medical care, safety equipment and appropriately trained personnel at medical centers, among other life improvements and changing measures. The African Canadian Seniors Network works to address some of these areas of focus through its continued work and engagement with the communities that it serves.