- Blog #9
How the Coronavirus Pandemic, has and is changing how We Think, Live, Work, and especially the Planet we live on.
The coronavirus pandemic will continue to change much of what we think, believe, and do. Once called a “world historical moment, it’s important to note that not everything happing is negative. While social media is filled with coronavirus news. The world is witnessing some amazing events happening right now, despite the COVID-19 outbreak.
China is experiencing a dramatic drop in air pollution
Due to COVID-19, China was forced to shut down most of its factories and manufacturing plants. As the world’s most populated country it is the leader of the most pollution. NASA recently released satellite images that show China’s air pollution from this year compared to last. Satellite images show air pollution from NASA show remarkable changes in the pollution to date since the pandemic began.
The Venice canals have opened and cleared up.
The typically cloudy canals in Venice are crystal clear and now home to wildlife. Fish can be seen swimming in the water, swans are seen floating on top and even some dolphins have been spotted. The canals are not necessarily clean, but since boaters and tourism have ceased, the waters have cleared, making them more suitable for people and animals.
3) The Australian the bushfires are all out!
Starting in September of last year, Australia faced wildfires that were destroying the country. They tore through communities, devastating not only the land, but everything living there. The fires killed half a billion animals, 11 firefighters and three Americans, according to the New York Times. Image from The Independent shows miles of mountains damaged by the fires. Australia is now focused on rebuilding its environment and country.
Empty streets.
This deer was one of more than 1,000 roaming the Japanese city of Nara, where people had been told to stay at home. Similar lockdown measures have brought wildlife into cities around the world. In the United States, coyotes were sighted in normally crowded areas of Chicago, San Francisco. In Wales, UK, an actual herd of mountain goats moved into the town of Llandudno from a nearby country park.
Vaccine research.
Biologist Larissa Vuitika at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil, is one of many scientists worldwide working on developing a vaccine for the coronavirus, COVID-19. Here she handles a sample of the virus’s genetic material. Many of the potential vaccines currently in development involve RNA molecules that are designed to train the immune system to make antibodies that recognize and block the spike protein that the virus uses to enter human cells. In the United States, some vaccine candidates are already being tested on healthy volunteers, while undergoing tests for safety and effectiveness in animals at the same time.
Masks.
Face masks are now everywhere. The world of fashion has begun to embrace them as expected day and even evening wear. Masks have become a necessary part of our daily wardrobe. How long will it last, we do not know? Since the coronavirus outbreak began millions and millions of masks are being manufactured all over the world. Masks will continue to be required wear for what appears to be our new longtime normal.
Millions of people around the world are now working remotely. It has become our new reality. Many countries, and companies have made the shift to remote working to originally contain the transmission of COVID-19. As restrictions are lifted this has now become business as usual. Many employees need not commute to work again. This may be a big reason to celebrate. “But are we really seeing an end to” The Office” or is this just another of transition to something else? This does not mean that we will only continue to work remotely. The question is can we adapt to new work practices and not lose the social and economic interchange and value of the traditional workplace?
In an effort to better get to know our fellow employees better:
The Intercruises blog would like to invite all staff to share a small paragraph about yourself with your fellow team members. This small personal section will be added to the blog, for any individual who would like to post or share a short note about yourself, other occupations, businesses, and interest.
What you might not know about: John Gibbons
John Gibbons name was published in a Masthead of
Condolences:
Submitted by -- Michele Potillo
Submitted by -- Michele Potillo
Thursday was Deborah Branham's funeral. It was my first funeral attendance during this health crisis. Covid has really changed our lives, but we were able to send Deb home with dignity and grace. She looked beautiful and at peace. About 25 people were in attendance inside the Plimpton Funeral Home of Somerset, NJ. We were seated 3-4 per row, appropriated spaced apart. Everyone was masked. I spoke on behalf of our Intercruises family where I extended condolences from Brian Rice, Margaret Z and the entire New York/Bayonne staff. I heard from about 50 coworkers who asked me to convey their sympathy. Afterwards, we proceeded to Hollywood Memorial Park, Union, NJ. Although it was a warm, partially-cloudy day, the sun was brilliant during the entire service. The rain showers didn't come until after we were leaving the park. Deborah had made all of her own pre-need arrangements. She chose an above ground interment. Sadly, her nephew told me that she didn't tell anyone in the family that she was sick. While only 9 people at a time were able to be inside the mausoleum, the rest of us socially-distance gathered outside. After Deb was interred into her final resting place, we all gathered outside the mausoleum. Deb's favorite gospel song played while we released three doves. Oddly one dove flew to the roof of the mausoleum, just feet from Deborah, and perched there for quite awhile, while the other two doves flew away but quickly came back to join the dove on the roof. Finally, the three flew away out of sight. Such a long, sad day, but I did get to be with my Florida BFF and Deb's family. We hugged, cried and laughed through our masks.
We are saddened by the loss of another friend and colleague based in Bayonne. Diane Rogalski.
She was with Intercruises for 16 years.
We will miss you both deeply.
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