World History Term Paper

The world post-pandemic crisis: the delays of COVID-19

Grupo 2

CURSO:

World History

BLOQUE:

DG - PREINGEMP07A01M

INTEGRANTES:

Alcazar Padilla, Audry Sahori(100%)

Sáenz Medina, Annel Fransheska (100 %)
Zambrano Polleri, David (100 %)
Ruiz Escalante, José Agustín (100%)

Lima - Perú
2024-01
INDEX

Introduction................................................................................................................................ 2

Justification................................................................................................................................ 3

Theoretical justification........................................................................................................3

Accurate predictions.......................................................................................................4

Unbiased analysis........................................................................................................... 4

Global Perspective..........................................................................................................5

Methodological justification................................................................................................ 6

Practical justification............................................................................................................6

Theoretical framework........................................................................................................ 7

Discussions...........................................................................................................................9

Conclusions.............................................................................................................................. 10

References................................................................................................................................ 10
Introduction

Across centuries and spanning various epochs, humanity has confronted numerous challenges

in its pursuit of survival and progress as a species. Manifesting notable adaptability to

environmental fluctuations and adverse circumstances, humanity has consistently navigated

through tribulations. Nevertheless, the global community has recently borne witness to an

unparalleled crisis in the guise of the COVID-19 pandemic. This global health emergency has

not merely disrupted daily routines but also laid bare the vulnerabilities inherent in our

interconnected global community. From stalling economies to deferring educational pursuits,

the reverberations of the pandemic have etched enduring impressions upon societal dynamics.

As the World Economic Forum (2020, p. 13) aptly states, “It is difficult to imagine that the

traumatic experiences of the pandemic will be forgotten quickly or disappear entirely over

time.” Therefore, it is important to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 crisis, it is necessary

to begin to outline possible scenarios for a swift recovery, and prevent further consequences

left by the lockdown.

As we navigate the complexities of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is essential to draw upon the

lessons learned from past experiences with similar global health crises. Pandemics such as

The Black Death in 1347 taught us about the speed and level of expansion at which a disease

can reach, in addition to how we can acquire diseases from other living species, in this case

rodents, "Transmission occurred through ships and people who transported the fateful agents,

infected rats and fleas, between merchandise or on their own bodies" (Virgili & Miloro, 2023)

By studying the responses of individuals, communities, and nations to past pandemics and

epidemics, we can gain valuable insights into effective strategies for combating infectious

diseases and mitigating their impact on society. While each crisis presents unique challenges,

the resilience and adaptability of humanity remain constant, serving as a beacon of hope in

times of uncertainty. As we confront the COVID-19 pandemic and its aftermath, let us draw
strength from our collective history and work together to build a healthier, more resilient

future for all.

Justification

Theoretical justification

In this documentary study, the theoretical justification is fulfilled by the fact that the

COVID-19 quarantine caused multiple consequences such as the evident global economic

crisis in recent years, the most important and least mentioned being the evident mental crisis

that has left the confinement and the uncertainty caused by the fear of death. The lockdown

has caused mental disorders and has increased anxiety levels, as well as revealing the

inefficiency of public health, especially in developing countries. The theoretical approach of

this study is based on measuring the consequences of the pandemic on a psychological level

and how this shows us the cracks in the present history that is being lived.

The official number of deaths caused by COVID-19 until April 2023 was 6.8 million deaths

worldwide, Statista (2023) stated that the pandemic had a global impact, spreading to nearly

every country. With this data we measure the impact of the pandemic caused by

SARS-COV-2 and its subsequent variants. Salas Quijada et al. (2023, p. 2) observed that

nations enforced movement restrictions as a means to control the spread of COVID-19.

These impactful changes provoked psychological crises worldwide, showing increased

emotional conflicts, depression, stress, insomnia, and alterations in health-related behaviors

among individuals. These measures were drastic, affecting the lifestyle of all humanity.

Something never seen before, due to globalization the effect of this quarantine has no point of

comparison with other pandemics in history. That is why it is important to study this episode

in universal history. At the same time, we compare with similar global crises to answer the
questions: What lessons have we learned when fighting pandemics and viruses? What are the

not so obvious consequences of the lockdown?

Accurate predictions

Predictions about the future of the economy, public health and other aspects related to

the pandemic can often be uncertain or based on simplified models. My ability to

analyze large amounts of data and detect complex patterns can lead to more accurate

predictions, which could contradict commonly accepted uncertainty around these

topics.

Unbiased analysis

In some cases, opinions on how to address the post-pandemic crisis may be biased by

political, economic or social interests. ¨As a language model, I aim to provide

information in an unbiased and data-driven manner¨, (Jolanda Jetten. 2020) which

might contradict narratives driven by different agendas.

Global Perspective

The COVID-19 pandemic has had a global impact, and responses to the crisis may

vary significantly by region or country. My ability to process information from

diverse sources and cultures can offer a more global and diverse perspective, which

could contradict opinions based on a more localized or limited vision.

Covid impacted several spheres of people's lives, such as the economy, industries, the global

market, agriculture, human health, medical care, etc. To date, there are certain approaches by

States and global organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO) to control and

mitigate the impact of this pandemic by identifying the consequences that the pandemic has

generated.
The pandemic era has triggered a series of delays that profoundly affect contemporary world

history. From the economy to politics and society in general, no sector has escaped its impact.

Delays in the supply chain have caused shortages of basic products and instability in financial

markets, while in the political sphere they have tested the ability of governments to manage

unprecedented crises, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.

In several countries, the inefficient management of many governments could be observed,

especially in the health sector, the greatest inefficiency was highlighted. If we focus on the

social part, “patterns of daily life and behavior have been altered, generating significant

changes in the perception of public health and safety” (Joel, Vos 2021). Various studies have

been carried out during this period where the alteration of people's mental health is evident.

Analysis of these delays would provide valuable insights into how the pandemic is shaping

the current and future world. This analysis of the impact of the pandemic is crucial as it helps

to understand many factors such as existing vulnerabilities. The pandemic has exposed latent

vulnerabilities in global economic, political and social systems. This includes over-reliance

on certain supply chains, fragility of health systems, and deficiencies in international

coordination and cooperation. By analyzing these impacts, we can identify critical areas that

require attention and reforms to strengthen resilience to future crises.

Methodological justification

The research was carried out through the Internet, searching mainly in repositories such as

Proquest, SCielo and Google Academics, where the keywords "Covid-19, quarantine,

lockdown effects, Latam, lockdown delays, quarantine problems" were used. Sources such as

Statista were also used to find the statistics and the numbers regarding those who died from

the start of the Covid-19's pandemic until April 2023 and in that way measure the impact of

the pandemic to these days.

For this research, we used the comparison approach between Covid-19 and other global

pandemics that hit the planet over the years. The aim is to contrast information on the type

and origin of the disease, speed and mode of transmission, social and economic impact,

treatment and long-term consequences. In this way, we will be able to have better knowledge

about how these types of health events affect the world population, during and after their

spread.

The methodology used to compile the information for this research helps us find solid studies

and data on the consequences of confinement. What we have learned, such as health

strategies and planning for the future, are some of the data that we will contrast in order to

answer our research questions.

Practical justification

The purpose of the research is to provide a reduction in problems in which several people

have been affected. When read broadly and taking into account all those impacts that have

been part of COVID-19, such as economic, physical and mental health, along with the

psychological area, we consider that said research could generate the training of all those

involved in such times, as politicians, health personnel, anyone who has offered a service or

confront a problem, find a more effective way to counteract or solve the situations presented,

all this with the sense of developing ourselves and realizing how to improve after adversity,

generating awareness and in this way begin to improve all the systems that are key within a

society. The most important is mental health, which has begun to have more importance

during that time and people began to realize it. How can we improve that system? How can

we improve the health system? How can we promote or develop everything that has been

essential in these difficult times, that allowed humanity to move forward, and how to be

prepared in a future pandemic? The purpose of the research is precisely to find a solution and
a point of progress so that any effect that has been caused will disappear and form a stronger

society in all areas.

Theoretical framework

In short, the ravages of Covid-19 have changed the world as we knew it. The viral disease

caused a notable impact, starting from Wuhan - China and spreading throughout the world.

With nearly 768 million cases registered worldwide (Statista, 2023), the pandemic caused by

SARS-CoV-2 and its subsequent mutations still does not have an exact origin. It is initially

speculated that the virus jumped from bats to humans. As this WHO report indicates "During

the first weeks of the epidemic in Wuhan, an association was observed between the first cases

and the Wuhan Huanan seafood wholesale market." (WHO, 2021). As the infections

occurred, it was decided to close said market, a place where not only animals from the sea

were sold but also wild animals were sold in that place. This first theory of the origin of the

virus suggests an event at the human-animal interface. Subsequently, additional cases were

identified with disease onset in December 2019, and not all of the first cases reported an

association with the Huanan market. (WHO, 2021).

Although an epicenter and exact origin of the spread of the virus are not yet known, there are

multiple theories such as the one that states that this new version of the virus escaped from a

laboratory in the city of Wuhan in China. Knowing a definitive answer in relation to its origin

is a task that requires great effort. This task must serve to prevent future viruses and know

how to act. But discovering an exact origin does not compare to the tortuous analysis of the

consequences left by the policies that all countries have followed, such as confinement. Did it

really help prevent the spread of the virus? The answer is controversial, based on history

itself, humanity has faced pandemics with high mortality rates with fewer resources. Casting

doubt on whether the coronavirus was proportional to the health measures used. During the
Middle Ages, major pandemics emerged as a threat to the world's population. In particular,

leprosy peaked during this period, possibly due to migrations of Jews and Gypsies from the

eastern Mediterranean and Arab invasions. The Black Death severely affected Europe, with a

mortality rate of around 60%. The Mongols were rumored to have spread the contagion by

catapulting their dead into besieged cities. (Vega, G. 2022)

Having faced more difficult health crises, the measures of the last confinement due to the

coronavirus are being questioned. The most alarming consequence being the obvious mental

crisis that the quarantine has generated. Levels of depression, anxiety and uncertainty have

grown alarmingly. According to Livia, Aguirre and Rondoy (2021), mandatory social

isolation during the pandemic has significantly impacted mental health and can cause various

psychological and psychiatric disorders. These disorders range from post-traumatic stress to

depression, anxiety, panic disorders and behavioral problems. Opening the debate if it was

really necessary to handle the Covid-19 crisis with the now questionable confinement

measures. The problem with this research is to question whether the quarantine really helped

save lives at the cost of seriously affecting mental health.

Discussions
During the time of the pandemic, it has been possible to take more into consideration the

mental health of those people who, for various reasons, have lost this stability, whether due to

routine, family separation or simple isolation, which has had an impact on people's daily

lives, generating depression, anxiety and fear of the situation. Within all of the above, in

addition to dealing with the main problem, they must also deal with the mental state that is

endured in a quarantine. According to Koshhar (2020), in the particular case of Covid-19, the

negative effect that affected the most people during this time was the loss of employment,

which consequently caused a decline in mental health, in that sense when facing that

situation. There was an increase in generalized anxiety and panic. For his part,
Martinez-Taboas (2020) mentions the reactions obtained by the population in the emotional

and behavioral aspects in relation to the pandemic, in this sense it is stated that at the same

time, the loss of employment is related to a potential financial loss, so frustrations become

greater and your worries grow. After returning to the problem of research and taking into

account all the aspects mentioned, the pandemic over the years has developed us as people,

we have known how to evolve in the face of each pandemic that has occurred in the health

sense, but with respect to the mental health, has had a negative impact, regarding isolation

and limitations, increased anxiety and adaptability, development has been hindered, personal

growth is altered after disconnection with the world around them, thus generating difficulties

in all areas of a person's life. In itself, it is represented as being emotionally affected by the

abrupt torque of development and the problems that one can carry in relation to a pandemic,

which means that one's stability, growth and routine are no longer the same.

Conclusions

● It can be concluded after everything mentioned that the focus given to mental health

during the pandemic has had an impact, since it has been made a priority since then,

in general it has been maintained over the last few years.

● The abrupt interruption has caused limitations in several ways, whether academic or

personal, we have all had to adapt taking into account our well-being.

● The general evolution that has been managed during this quarantine has been

significant, due to a sudden change in our lifestyle, the impact has been negative since

it has affected our personal areas and economic stability.

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Gonçalves, Olivia Janett Horna-Campos, Mazzei, M., Maria, S. A., Jakeline, R. B.,

Bardales-Mendoza, O., Benach, J., Daiane, B. M., Ana Lucía, T. C., & Jacques-Aviñó,

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