The COVID-19 pandemic is arguably one of the defining global health crises of our time and the greatest challenge humanity has contended with since the second World War. Since its appearance in Asia late last year, the virus has spread to every region apart from Antarctica. Cases are rising daily around the globe with the highest ceases recorded in Europe, the Americas, and Asia with Africa recording gradual increases in numbers. The virus is moving like a wave, one that may yet crash on those least able to cope. In response, countries are battling to slow the spread of the pandemic by testing and treating patients, carrying out contact tracing, limiting travel, quarantining citizens, and cancelling large gatherings such as sporting events, concerts, and schools. However, COVID-19 is more than just a health crisis, it has the potential to create devastating social, economic and political crises that will change the world as we know it as we are in uncharted territory. Many of the world’s greatest cities are deserted as people stay indoors, either by choice or by government order. Every day activities have ceased and ordinary people are losing jobs and income, with no way of knowing when normality will return. It goes without saying that global catastrophes change the world, even if we contain the Covid-19 crisis within a few months, the legacy of this pandemic will live with us for years, perhaps decades to come. It will change the way we move, build, learn, and connect.
