(Really understanding) The first modern pandemic – The Blog of Bill Gates, April 23, 2020
This is a great read by Bill Gates to make sense of the overabundant information about COVID-19. The epidemiological situation changes every day and makes it incredibly hard to grasp all the ideas and policy proposals we read and hear about. Some parts of the article are fairly technical, but don’t be put off—read on to better understand what’s going on, what are the innovations we still need, and how to make informed decisions about dealing with the pandemic. Key thought: “It can sound like we have all the scientific advances needed to reopen the economy, but in fact, we do not.”
All the things Covid-19 will change forever, according to 30 top experts – Fast Company, April 20, 2020
Tech execs, VCs, and analysts—from WhatsApp’s Will Cathcart to AOL co-founder Steve Case—offer their insights on how the pandemic will have a lasting impact on how we live, work and think. Topics range from the acceleration of working remotely, digital migration, and virtual education and healthcare. The piece is tech- and VC-focused.
Restaurants, hotels and gyms face up to a future of social distancing – Financial Times, April 22, 2020
The leisure and hospitality industries are the worst hit by the pandemic and will be the slowest to recover. They will need drastic changes to reopen once lockdowns are lifted, having to make efforts to prepare for a new normal by introducing extra space, regular cleaning, protections for staff, and technology that limits customers’ interactions with workers.
A professor of happiness explains how to deal with COVID-19 – World Economic Forum, April 23, 2020
Mental health has deteriorated due to stress about COVID-19. In this short interview, Laurie Santos, a Yale professor who is the rock star of the science of wellbeing (more than two million students have enrolled in her course), shares some evidence-based tips on how to boost wellbeing in such adverse conditions: (1) Socialize—even if it’s on Zoom or FaceTime; (2) Help others (happy people tend to be really “other” oriented); (3) Be present—practice mindfulness.
The era of peak travel is over – Vox, April 22, 2020
COVID-19 changed the world’s jet-setting ways in the blink of an eye. It could take years to return to normal. Interviews travel industry experts and owners on what’s ahead for travel, from demand to the types/categories of travel and the destinations that may do best.
A Striking Stat:
Eight-five percent of people globally are exercising during the pandemic. Most popular: home workouts (51 percent), walks (33 percent), running (20 percent), live-streamed classes (20 percent), cycling (10 percent) and dancing (10 percent).
When people were asked what they most expect to be doing post-virus, “spend more time exercising” ranked #1 among 20+ behavioral changes, at 40 percent.
