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With the exponential growth in Covid positive cases and the consequent need for more
and more hospital beds, ventilators and oxygen supplies, the world’s pharmaceutical
giants found themselves in a race to develop a vaccine. Time was not on their side and
there was no time to do the exhaustive testing to ensure it was safe for mankind. The
fast-tracked development of the vaccine unfortunately resulted in people being
uncertain, about possible long-term side effects and hence, were hesitant to get
vaccinated. However, with the number of front-line workers losing their lives, it was
decided to vaccinate them as a preventative and also, as a proof of concept. The UK,
USA, Germany, Russia and China became the first countries to develop the initial
vaccines.

With the slowing down of industry, commerce and human activity, skies became clearer,
the grass became greener and denizens of the deep forests were more at ease. Farmers
gained the respect they deserved by tirelessly ensuring food supplies met the demands.
Door to door delivery networks emerged overnight with tuk tuks laden with produce
doing the rounds. While most were trapped in negativity, the optimists saw opportunity
in hardship. Organisations resorted to working from home. E-commerce and on-line
modes of service delivery became main stage, clogging up band-width and
communication infrastructure. While the affluent were able to support their children
with on-line schooling, the majority were challenged by the absence of infrastructure,
affordability and know-how to continue their education.

The virtualised, data-driven world of 2050 we now live in, is a result of the new normal
that evolved with the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic. The rapid adoption of artificial
intelligence and Internet of things in the early 2020’s were instrumental in creating the
hyper-connectivity we now take for granted, where physical and social distancing is
achieved effortlessly. As the polar ice caps continue to melt and release bacteria and
infection that had been dormant for millions of years, the humanoid front-lines that deal
with such epidemics, was a creation dating back to 2023, instrumental in curbing the
spread of Covid 19. The genetic immunity enhancement which currently takes place to
ensure each successive generation is resilient to new types of bacteria and viruses,
provide us with the freedom to restore the much needed human connections. We
should never take for granted the ability to visit our grandparents, meet with friends and
join in a game of rugby.

Navik Weerawardana - 9C