Current Situation
At the end of 2019, COVID-19, a severe acute respiratory syndrome, was identified in Wuhan, China (Sanyaolu et al. 2020). It has rapidly spread all over the world, and in the present day, more than 180 countries are affected (Sanyaolu et al. 2020).
The World Health Organization has declared OVID-19 a pandemic (Spinelli & Pellino, 2020). Self-isolation, lockdown, wearing masks, and social distancing are measures used to prevent active virus transmission. Pandemic has immeasurably affected all spheres of human activity. At the same time, the pandemic has both advantages and disadvantages
Why Opossum Is the Best Opponent?
Due to its flexible diet, an opossum adapted to live in cities, that is why, it witnesses the impact of the pandemic on people. At the same time, an opossum is not a domestic animal and may “speak” on behalf of wild animals as well. As a substantial number of people have a negative attitude towards an opossum, it is considerably interested in the spread of COVID-19 and subsequent isolation
Opossum’s Standpoint
Pandemic has a positive impact on the environment as the level of pollution substantively decreased due to the limitation of manufacturing. Wild animals may return to their habitats as deforestation is temporarily ceased. Due to the absence of people animals including opossums feel more comfortable and safe in cities. Due to self-isolation people with limited freedom of moving to produce more rubbish (for opossums as well).
When Two Positions Conflict
Animals in zoos and wildlife sanctuaries may experience shortages of food due to the absence of visitors and funding. Due to self-isolation, community services work more efficiently – rubbish is collected faster, and nothing is left for opossums. The impact of the pandemic on people is not examined. In addition to increased mortality and morbidity rates related to COVID-19, people suffer from anxiety and depression due to self-isolation.
Common Values and Potential Solution
It goes without saying that the opossum’s argument in defense of COVID-19 concerning pollution is absolutely reasonable – environmental improvement may be regarded as a substantial advantage of the pandemic. At the same time, the impact of the virus on humans is underrated by animals while the life and well-being of domestic animals and wild animals that live in captivity substantially depends on people. The spread of COVID-19 should be reduced, however, the environmental impact of the pandemic should be saved.
The potential solution implies control over deforestation in terms of legislation. In addition, animals in the cities may be provided by food – community services may install feeders for street cats, dogs, and wild animals, including opossums. Zoo’s funding in the period of the pandemic should be provided by the government.
Benefits of a Dispute with an Opossum
According to the results of this discussion, it is possible to conclude that despite its tragic consequences, the pandemic has advantages as well. Although it has a negative impact on people, the spread of the virus and related isolation positively affects the environment.
The results of the pandemic and its influence on wildlife should be considered in the future in order to save positive changes. Domestic animals and wild animals that live in cities close to humans require help during the pandemic as they may experience a shortage of food or care.
References
Sanyaolu, A., Okorie, C., Marinkovic, A., Patidar, R., Younis, K., Desai, P. Hosein, Z., Padda, I., Mangat, J., & Altaf, M. (2020). Comorbidity and its impact on patients with COVID-19. SN Comprehensive Clinical Medicine, 2, 1069–1076.
Spinelli, A., & Pellino, G. (2020). COVID‐19 pandemic: Perspectives on an unfolding crisis. British Journal of Surgery, 107(7), 785-787. Web.