A girl washes her hands at the Alix de Bretagne school in Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier, France, on May 7. The response to the Spanish flu outbreak in the early 20th century highlighted the importance of handwashing, and the lessons from that outbreak could provide a road map for living and dealing with Covid-19. Photo: AFP
Opinion
Opinion
Coronavirus challenge offers an opportunity to learn from history and ease into post-pandemic new normal
- Responses to crises like the Spanish flu, Y2K and HIV provide a road map for adapting to life in a world beset by Covid-19
- Disruption to the global economy opens the door for important reforms such as reskilling, improving working conditions, and focusing on health care and social security
A girl washes her hands at the Alix de Bretagne school in Saint-Aubin-du-Cormier, France, on May 7. The response to the Spanish flu outbreak in the early 20th century highlighted the importance of handwashing, and the lessons from that outbreak could provide a road map for living and dealing with Covid-19. Photo: AFP