The COVID-19 pandemic has propelled countries to move towards automation and digital transformation. As such, digital platforms and technology are becoming popular these days. They play a vital role in keeping our society functional despite having citywide lockdowns.
With society gearing towards digital transformation and automation, the following business, medical and entertainment technologies have shown that we are capable of adapting to the situation to survive this pandemic.
Fintech and Digital Payments
The virus that causes COVID-19 is known as the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). It has been claimed that this virus may attach to objects and be carried forward from one object to another upon contact. Consequently, the virus could likely travel through banknotes.
To address this issue, central banks of various countries have implemented measures to encourage contactless digital payments. Payment in cash is no longer supported, although it cannot be entirely eliminated on account of some people remaining unbanked. However, what is preferred now is payment by e-wallets and cards to avoid the spread of the coronavirus disease.
Fintech applications and digital payment methods have enabled people to make purchases for goods and services with less risk of contracting the disease.
Online Shopping
Due to the pandemic, businesses have also transitioned from having physical stores to online stores. Since most establishments are forced to close down due to citywide lockdowns, entrepreneurs have taken the opportunity to continue operations by going online.
Online shopping has become a necessary tool to get hold of various goods and essentials during this period. Groceries can now be done through apps and websites that cater to these needs. At present, most of our necessities are available online.
Online Work Platforms
Aside from stores and establishments, factories, big companies, and professional firms are forced to close down to ensure the safety of its employees. Following its close, many employees are advised to work from home and use technologies online to operate. Cloud technology and work collaboration tools are utilized to meet quality in performance. Virtual meetings are likewise had through video conferencing platforms like Zoom, Skype, among others.
Remote work has given employees a safety blanket from the disease while retaining their jobs. Working away from the office has also given them more flexibility in performing their duties.
Social Media and Online Entertainment
Since COVID-19 lockdowns and quarantines are observed, many people have also turned to the internet for entertainment. There has been an increase in the number of users of various social media platforms. Since more people are at home, more people have also become visible in social media accounts. There has been a surge of social media traffic since the outbreak.
The entertainment industry has also resorted to the internet as a means to continue operations. Concerts and musical shows are done through online streaming. Similarly, production companies are releasing movies online, and museums and heritage sites are now offering virtual tours.
Online gaming traffic has also shown more visibility since the pandemic started. More and more people have downloaded gaming applications to entertain themselves while on quarantine.
Another online platform has also gained popularity since the outbreak, that is, website creation platforms. A lot of people have started blogging and have developed websites to distract themselves during this pandemic. With the help of WordPress Website Designers and web developers, platforms like WordPress have become home for people to vent out their anxiety brought about by the current situation. Businesses have also resorted to these platforms to continue their operations.
E-learning
Educational institutions in many countries are forced to conduct classes online to avoid large gatherings. Schools and universities made adjustments to new learning procedures following the closure of educational institutions.
Online courses and distant learning methods are now utilized to ensure that lockdown measures do not disrupt education. Consequently, softwares that cater to these educational needs have also grown in popularity.
Like conducting virtual work meetings, virtual online classes are held by teachers using similar platforms, i.e., Skype, Zoom, and the likes.
Telehealth
The need for medical assistance has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, it is not recommended that patients immediately go to hospitals for non-coronavirus cases to obtain essential primary care.
A hospital is one of the places prone to contracting COVID-19. Hence, to address this concern, government agencies and private health companies have encouraged the use of telehealth services to contain the spread of COVID-19 while still providing medical services to patients.
Check-ups may be done via voice calls, video chats, and live chats. Issuance of prescriptions, with proper regulations, on certain medications are also done online or text message to avoid hospital congestion and a higher risk of contracting COVID-19.
Takeaway
The COVID-19 pandemic has made many changes in our lifestyle, especially in how we go by our day to day living. At present, many industries are now geared towards automation and digital transformation. A lot has now become available online. Consequently, we need to adapt to these new and accessible technologies to survive and for our economy to prosper despite this pandemic. Indeed, this is the new normal.