Looks like we’re flattening the curve on coronavirus cases.  The end isn’t here, but it’s coming. In a couple of months, we’ll be seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.  But things will never be the same. Here are seven  lessons learned from the COVID-19 crisis.

1. Saving for a rainy day is good advice.  I know it’s not possible for everyone. Stuff happens, and you find yourself in a hole, living paycheck to paycheck.  I’ve been there, done that, and  know how it feels. And yet, many folks who could have established an emergency fund didn’t.  They maxed out their credit cards on boats,  trips to Disneyland,  eating out, and other stuff they didn’t really need.  I hope their unemployment and stimulus checks tide them over now.  But when they finally get back on their feet,  they really need to cut out some of the unnecessary spending.  And make it a point to save a certain percent of their income for a rainy day.

2. You can keep ripe bananas in the frig.  Shopping habits changed the past few months. Instead of going to the grocery several times a week, we had to cut it down to once or twice.  Planning ahead was a necessity.  And if you bought enough bananas ahead of time, they were apt to spoil before your next trip.  My husband and I split part of a banana  every day—him for his cereal, mine for smoothies.  Although you’re always told you can’t refrigerate ripe bananas, the fact is, you can—for a couple of days.  The skin may turn dark, but the inside is still fresh and sweet.

3.  Everyone should wash their hands more often. Many of us were lax about that.  How many times have you seen someone leave a public restroom without washing?  But I think everyone has it in their heads now:  Washing your hands will keep you from getting the flu, colds, and other types of infections. If you didn’t know it before the covid-19 outbreak, you know it now.

     4.   Higher education is more important than ever.  During the past decade, I’ve met many bright young people who dropped out of college because they could make so much money in tips at upscale restaurants.  Those people are now drawing unemployment.  Those with college degrees  are more likely to have jobs that pay them to work from home.  Others who learned a skilled trade find their services in high demand. A two year degree may pay off  just as well as a four year degree.    If you have the academic ability, get some training and education beyond high school. Don’t rely on tips to fulfill your dreams.

5.  Open spaces offices are bad for your health.  70% of modern offices have no walls.  You’re forced to  work close beside other people , breathing in whatever they’re breathing out in the way of viruses .  It’s been shown that open office spaces make people less productive and healthy. Without walls or barriers in front of you, a virus can spread very easily. Companies should  go back to providing offices or at least cubicles, where  employees can enjoy a little peace, quiet, and cleaner air.

6. Find some  old fashioned pastimes that don’t require wireless.  Jigsaw puzzles, cards, board games, crossword puzzles, just to name a few.  Or creative activities like painting, sewing or woodworking.  There could be a national crisis that involves an internet blackout.  What will you do to pass the time, then?

7. Unfiltered sunlight is good for you, in small doses.  Sunscreens prevent cancer, but they also block the production of vitamin D.   Vitamin D is important for a good immune system. Doctors now recommend that you wait 15 minutes before applying sunscreen if you’re out in the sunlight.

Americans are resilient and smart.  They will make it through this crisis and  also learn their lessons.