THE most basic everyday activities, from working to shopping and going to school, have completely transformed during the COVID-19 pandemic, and may never be the same again.
As the world marks nearly two years since China announced the first death from COVID-19 a 61-year-old man in Wuhan on January 11, 2020, here's a look at how our lives have been fundamentally altered by the virus.
- WFH -
As the virus marched across the globe, governments ordered citizens to stay inside forcing billions of people to hastily set up home offices.
Remote working, working from home (WFH) all quickly became staples in our new pandemic vernacular.
Even as lockdowns eased, working from home at least some of the time has remained the norm for many.
In 2021, the percentage of people working remotely hit 32 percent, up from just 17 percent in 2019, according to consulting firm Gartner.
For others, the pandemic prompted a change of jobs or demands for better conditions.
In the United States, tens of thousands of workers from hospitals to Hollywood walked off the job last year in a movement dubbed "Striketober" to protest long hours and poor pay.
- E-commerce boom -
With billions bunkered down at home, businesses of all kinds had to quickly pivot, and online sales for everything from groceries to meals, clothes and furniture rapidly boomed.
Online sales rose 38 percent in the first third of 2021 compared to the same period a year before, according to the Adobe Digital Economy Index.
It even brought some shoppers online for the first time who aren't likely to leave soon, Gaelle Le Floch of consulting firm Kantar told AFP.
"We saw new customers, more senior citizens, who became regular shoppers," she said.
- Planes, trains and... bicycles -
Between border closures and travel restrictions, the tourism sector was pummelled by the pandemic.
Experts warn the air and rail industries may not return to normal before 2024.
Air travel was worst affected, with worldwide traffic dropping by two-thirds in 2020.
By the end of 2021, it had only reached half of 2019 levels as travel restrictions remained in place in many countries.
Even as travel picked up following initial lockdowns, chaos remains the norm in airports as passengers line up to show vaccine passes or negative COVID tests.
Cities around the world also saw a drop in public transportation such as trains over fears of the virus spreading and as more people stayed home.
Cycling grew in popularity but so did commuting by car.
- Zoom learning -
As adults stayed home to work, so too did students, with hundreds of millions of children and teens suddenly logging onto Zoom and other platforms for online classes.
UNESCO, the UN's culture and education authority, has called the pandemic the worst-ever education crisis.
School systems in most countries saw at least some period of complete closure.
The worst impacts have been in low- and middle-income countries where 53 percent of children already suffered from a lack of access to schooling.
That proportion could increase to 70 percent, according to the World Bank.
In some parts of the world including Brazil, Pakistan, India, South Africa and Mexico a significant drop in math and reading skills has been reported.
- Hunger and healthcare -
The pandemic has led to the greatest rise in hunger worldwide in 15 years, according to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The number of people who do not have enough to eat increased 18 percent over the last year, the agency said.
The problem extended beyond food access, as an additional 20 million people fell into extreme poverty in 2021, according to UN agency OCHA.
The pandemic also plunged health systems into chaos and slowed progress on campaigns to eradicate other diseases ravaging the world's poorest populations, such as HIV and tuberculosis.
ETX Studio
Fri Jan 07 2022
In the United States, tens of thousands of workers walked off the job last year in a movement dubbed "Striketober" to protest long hours and poor pay. - ETX Studio
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.
Minimum wage to increase to RM1,700 effective Feb 1, 2025
The Progressive Wage Policy would be fully enforced next year with an allocation of RM200 million, benefiting 50,000 workers.
Bursa Malaysia ends higher on Budget 2025 optimism
The benchmark index, which opened 1.85 points higher at 1,643.29, moved between 1,641.71 and 1,649.31 throughout the trading session.
Five important aspects relating to people’s lives in Budget 2025 - PM
The focus is on driving the MADANI Economy, speeding reforms, cutting red tape, raising wages, and tackling the cost of living.
Economic outlook: Govt plans to leverage, expand existing city transit system
The expansion aims to provide a more efficient and reliable public transportation network, reduce congestion, and improve accessibility.
Economic outlook: Budget 2025 to lay foundation for a digital-driven economy
The report said Budget 2025 will entail efforts to position Kuala Lumpur as a top 20 global startup hub by 2030 through the KL20 initiative.
Economic outlook: Corruption and lack of accountability hinder economic progress
Special Cabinet Committee on National governance is established to curb corruption, law reforms to modernise outdate regulations, MoF said.
National Wages Consultative Council will be strengthened
The govt will also incentivise hiring women returning from career breaks, offer job matching and improve care services facilities.
Economic outlook: Ensuring 11 years of compulsory education for all children
Budget 2025 will continue prioritising upskilling and retraining initiatives to equip workers with the latest skill sets necessary.
Consolidated public sector projected to record lower surplus of RM41.7 bil 2024
The MoF said the consolidated general government revenue is estimated to increase slightly to RM384.7 billion in 2024.
PM announces substantial Budget 2025 hastening Malaysia to become Asian economic powerhouse
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said it would create jobs and also tackle financial leakages to enhance public spending efficiency.