What are the chances?

Covid-19 on a cruise ship metaphor.
If you have ever been on a cruise chances are you enjoyed it.  If you enjoyed it chances are you have wanted to go on another.  Then along came a spider (Covid-19).  What is the likelihood that you would ever set foot on a cruise ship again given the recent experience of many guests?  Chances are that, like most challenges that fall upon us, there will be an initial avoidance with a gradual return to normalcy. 

Consider traffic accidents, for example.  You are considered to be a good driver and have developed a normalized series of behaviours for operating a vehicle.  Then you get into an accident or maybe witness one.  Chances are that you will try to be a more cautious operator afterwards.  This is because you are focused on the consequences of a mistake, even if it is not yours.  The crisis is at the forefront of your mind.  Fear and trepidation modify your actions.

It doesn't last though.  Every day that goes by brings a little more confidence.  More miles means more certainty in your abilities and puts distance between you and the events which literally impacted you.  It's not long after that that you are back in the driver's seat again, operating it as you did before.  Covid-19 is the accident; the giant spider aboard the cruise ship.

There is a saying, "Those that do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it."  The learning part is understanding the poor choices that were made and modifying behaviour to avoid getting into the same situation.  People will go on cruise ships again after this pandemic is over.  People will drive their cars again after an accident.  Life will get back to normal.  The question we should be asking ourselves is, "What can I do to be safe?"

I think the Covid crisis will help us recognize the need for improved hygiene.  It also makes it possible to wear a mask in public without looking stupid.  Colds and flus will still be with us; maybe we can do a better job of keeping them at bay by wearing masks is we are sick and by keeping a good level of cleanliness.  Things will get back to normal, it will just take time.  What are the chances?

Thanks for reading.   www.ericspix.com   Eric Svendsen

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