​How COVID-19 changed the world

As the UK government is due to set out its plans to scrap all remaining Covid legal restrictions in England, including the requirement to isolate, it would appear we have reached the ‘end of the beginning' of the pandemic. So what lessons have we learnt?

1. Mental health is just as crucial as physical health. Many people have experienced distress during the pandemic, with levels of reported anxiety higher than ever and women seemingly hit disproportionately hardest. According to Ipsos, 79% of people worldwide say their mental health is as important as their physical health.
    
2. Countries can adapt to enormous challenges. In March 2020, more than 100 countries went into lockdown. Two years on, life has continued, though often in an altered state.
    
3. Inequalities are widening. The world’s 10 richest men have doubled their wealth, while 160 million have slid into poverty. Meanwhile, women have shouldered a disproportionate burden of childcare. At the same time, the digital age divide has narrowed, as more older peopled use technology to keep up with family.
    
4. Countries are becoming insular. There is evidence of deglobalisation, as countries rely less on foreign goods and materials. Some countries borders have closed, and 56% of people, according to Ipsos, are reluctant for them to reopen.
    
5. A sustainable future needs strong leadership. 83% believe we are heading for environmental disaster unless we change our habits drastically. We need the same initiative and determination shown in fighting the pandemic to tackle the climate crisis.

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