Post COVID-19 Lessons. Could the SARS-CoV-2 Virus be a Progress Factor? A Literature Review

The paper proposes an assessment of the effects that COVID-19 had on the population, based on the scientific literature. Most of the papers published in journals or in the media highlight the devastating results of the pandemic on society. We consider that some aspects can still be identified as lessons having positive effects on the future development of human society. Thus, the global mobilization of the scientific community for the creation of a vaccine against the virus, the free access to scientific works, the creation of common databases shows how humanity can act as one in critical situations. Reducing the dependence of markets on a single supplier, which can influence prices and delivery times, has been brought back to the attention of the European and North American economies. The crisis of essential medical supplies, whose delivery from Asian suppliers has been delayed or cancelled, followed by the semiconductor crisis, are lessons that Western economies must not forget. Investments in the health system were necessary, and probably would not have had the same scope in the absence of the pandemic. Understanding the connection between humans, animals and the environment is particularly important in the context of the future epidemiological challenges that are likely to follow. The human species can only survive on the planet in harmony with the flora, fauna and environment in general. Responsible use of technological progress, reduction of pollution and of the negative impact on the environment, increased attention to nature are aspects highlighted by the pandemic. Reconsidering human relationships, increased care given to health and personal hygiene, working at home and greater attention to family and oneself can be considered gains of humanity following the pandemic.