Poverty is also a comorbidity.

By Miguel Paiva, for Journalists for Democracy 

What will change from now on? Until we return to a normal life, which will no longer have much of what we were used to, we will have to create new habits. The first will perhaps be to open our minds. We will have to admit that the pandemic exists, is tremendous, and threatens our very lives. That would be the first change. It may seem obvious, but many people don't take it seriously. We see it every day on the beaches, in the parks, on the shopping streets, on public transport, and in our daily interactions. 

Governments pretend to agree with isolation measures but do little to enforce them. It's the same social theory as the use of helmets, seat belts, and condoms. They exist, but it's not necessary to use them. The protective mask will become the most important item of personal use. If everyone wears one, which is almost impossible, we will eliminate a large part of the risk of contamination. For that, we need to admit (and here comes the myth of the helmet again, etc., etc.) that we can be asymptomatic transmitters. 

But you know that for a Brazilian to admit to having a problem like sexism, venereal disease, erectile dysfunction, or coronavirus is very difficult. If that happens, with everyone wearing masks, the risk would decrease. Another essential condition would be personal hygiene. After going out, touching objects, coming into contact with the outside world, washing hands and clothes following the instructions, which are quite simple.

Having done that, we would be practically immune to contagion. But we know we are not immune to stupidity. They will continue to think they are half supermen, half Bolsonaro supporters, and will not take these measures. Those who believe in Bolsonaro are exempt. The world out there is nonsense. It's an invention of communists, PT supporters, and leftists, prophets of the apocalypse. For them, the immune ones, there is no risk. Death is part of the market economy, and many will have to die for the country to reach its desired levels. The rest is an invention of the left.

It's difficult. I want to go back to my new habits but I can't let go of the old ones.

Speaking of the elderly, we have to put an end to this idea that only the elderly are susceptible to infection. That's not true, and here in Brazil, where poverty replaces old age, we are all vulnerable to the virus.

Poverty is a comorbidity, as they like to say.

Long life for the elderly, then, especially if the younger generation goes out like crazy without worrying about contamination. They'll all die, and the elderly will have to take over the world. Poor things. After working their whole lives, they'll still have to shoulder the burden and fix the messes of the younger generation.

We will also have to rethink the environment, food, work relationships, leisure, and culture. How important the cultural heritage was during these days of isolation. How fundamental it was to access our cell phones or computers and be able to watch what so-called "vagabonds" around the world produced. Culture became as important as the hamburger that iFood delivers to us. From now on, and for quite some time to come, we will have to redesign the seating in cinemas and theaters to be able to occupy them, always wearing masks, of course. This market needs to get back to work, despite the opposing forces in Brasília. Bookstores will also have to rethink their spaces and continue with the delivery system. Instead of iFood, iBook.

Neoliberalism, as we know it, is dead. It took the pandemic for us to see how important the State is and how it becomes the only power capable of reversing these desperate situations. The State covers all citizens. A new form of economy should emerge valuing work, employment, and the worker. Healthcare systems will emerge wounded but victorious. The SUS (Brazilian public healthcare system) will recover its value and importance. President Bolsonaro will be a completely forgotten historical fact. We will look to the future without having to run from the past. We have everything ahead of us. We just need to face the next challenge and be aware that together we are stronger against Bolsonaro and even against the coronavirus.