Unemployment rocketing, businesses collapsing but it WILL get better

There are two ways at looking at the coronavirus pandemic: total pessimism that the world and the world economy have changed for ever and we are all doomed to proverty and misery, and total optimism that when it's all over and the virus has been dealt with and a vaccine is produced to prevent a return, light and happiness and good fortune will give the globe such a boost that jobs, businesses and normality wuill be back in style. For the tens of thousands of people who have lost family members and friends, I cannot begin to imagine how they will adapt to the world post-coronavirus. But if things have dramatically improved and we can all go back to pubs and restaurants and theatres and cinemas and holidays and hugging and kissing, then even for those who have suffered terrible tragedies, life will slowly begin to get better. I definitely choose the latter of the two ways forward. There is no alternative but to start building up optimism and planning for a better future. There WILL be a better future, and after the pandemic it's just possible that the most farsighted governments will actually realise there is a warning here for the planet. If the future is going to be safe and healthy and exciting and rewarding and wonderful for our children and grandchildren, then the big decisions on climate change and health protection and financial stability have to be taken now. Out of this terrible time something valuable could emerge. Again, nothing at this stage can comfort those who have suffered personal tragedies. But perhaps for these families and individuals it is encumbent on the rest of us and particularly on our leaders to take bold decisions for the whole planet. It would be obscene, disgraceful and disgusting if any country thought this was the moment to exploit other country's disadvantages and seek to benefit from the sufferings. I name no names.