COVID-19 has successfully put everything to a screeching halt all over the world. We begin to ask, What now?
After this pandemic is over, we will enter a new phase in our existence as humans. Almost everything seems to have been re-booted. Everything recharged. There are even reports of lesser air pollution since the world entered quarantine.
What does it hold for the world of sports up to this point?
Several possibilities abound.
Implemented measures instituted during the quarantine can continue. They are falling in line and observing physical distancing. While we have been doing it before the Covid, stricter guidelines in forming lines to enter and exit venues may be employed. Same with sitting arrangements in places. Playing venues will not need to be filled to the rafters. One idea floated for the NBA is to conduct the playoffs ala NBA summer league where the teams play in Vegas. One playing venue for the teams until the champion is declared. It is for the live viewing of games. Very prevalent these days is the use of online methods of delivering content either via live streaming or delayed broadcasts to various households worldwide. This way, we still enjoy the games in our homes.
This shift in perspective and orientation has been around for a good number of years already. It has been evident with the prevalence of online and digital transaction platforms. We do have online banking. Popular online shopping apps. Online streaming video and audio services, among others. For the early adopters, what we are going through while confined in our homes is nothing new. Concerns would be for those who are not able to adapt to these changes.
After this Covid pandemic, we will all enter into a new world. We are not sure what it holds for us, but the systems and what we are doing right now can be guides for proceeding. We have to have an open mind and accept that what we are doing now, regular zoom meetings, trust-based work from home arrangements maybe the new normal. It’s either we adapt, or we get lost in the scheme of things. Scary as it already is, we have to face our fears and ease into a new world order.
“Fear is the path into the dark side. Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering”-Yoda.