The COVID-19 pandemic has drastically changed day-to-day life for millions of people. One of the areas of life that it has greatly impacted is travel, both near and far. Prior to the pandemic, entrepreneurs and business owners could take a quick trip to Hong Kong for business and families could plan summer holidays in Europe. The biggest challenge to travel used to be coordinating schedules. Now there are several limitations in place. However, embracing technology during a pandemic can help in this time of crisis and isolation.
At SFG, we believe that total wealth is comprised of financial, physical, psychological, and intellectual capitals. These Four Capitals help families and individuals lead fulfilled lives. An entrepreneur’s intellectual capital may have included international business trips to take their company to the global stage. A family’s psychological capital may have included summer holidays in Europe where they could reconnect with art and history. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed most travel plans on hold.
Connecting with Others
Visiting with friends and family is now met with many complications. Nearby family members are likely limiting their visitation duration to minimize personal contact and to maintain social distancing. Family members that are far away can no longer hop on a jet to visit for a long weekend. Friends that used to gather for weekly lunches have put their social calendar on pause.
It is not uncommon to experience some sense of isolation during this time. The good news is that increased use of technology during a pandemic can help. Video conferencing connects grandchildren and grandparents across time zones and allows friends to gather for virtual happy hours. Telemedicine can treat ongoing medical conditions while eliminating the need to arrange transportation and visit a hospital or office in person. Your favorite restaurants are now closer than ever with many delivery options available.
Embracing New Technologies
The shelter-in-place orders that have been in place across the country have pushed society to quickly adapt to new technologies. Businesses of all sizes have learned how to operate with a virtual office, individuals have adapted to working from home, and families are finding new ways to connect virtually. Mobile banking, video chats, grocery delivery, and telemedicine were once foreign concepts but now are intertwined in our daily lives. While video platforms will never replace the personal connection we feel when meeting face-to-face, technology helps us interact with each other safely and efficiently during this time.
As we all quickly adapt to new technologies, it is important to consider cybersecurity. Please read our blog post on Cybersecurity Best Practices.