Five years ago, the COVID-19 pandemic changed the world.

This was a time of uncertainty for many, especially in the early months of the pandemic restrictions. The disease was spreading and there was no known cure or vaccine at the time.

Contracting COVID-19, especially in the early months of the pandemic, was a serious matter.

Many families lost loved ones, and some who had COVID-19 in the early days still suffer its lasting effects.

In my circle of family, friends and close acquaintances, one person died from complications after contracting the disease. At least two others are continuing to cope with aftereffects and long-term health problems resulting from this disease.

In an attempt to slow the spread of COVID-19, restrictions were put into place in Canada, beginning around the middle of March.

School closures were announced, first in Quebec and Ontario and then in the rest of Canada.

The Canada-U.S. border was closed to non-essential travel on March 18, and by the end of the month, stay-at-home orders and business closures were put in place.

Public gatherings, including concerts, sports events and meetings in places of worship were suspended.

At workplaces, employee spaces were reconfigured. Some workers were laid off or had their hours reduced considerably. Others transitioned to working from home.

And yet the upheaval at the start of the pandemic also had some positive outcomes.

Many workers enjoyed working from home and embraced the change from the office culture they had known. Some who were laid off or on reduced hours used the time to slow down and consider the lifestyle they wanted.

Some people learned to make sourdough bread, took up gardening or started home improvement projects they had wanted to tackle.

And, because of the physical distancing restrictions and the stay-at-home mandates, many made special efforts to have contact with friends and family in other ways.

Friends and family members connected through Zoom meetings and regular telephone calls. Some held family gatherings and special using video conference technology, allowing people in separate locations to be able to share special moments together.

Those who worked to keep in contact with others were able to cope with the uncertainty of the pandemic much better than those who were isolated and alone.

After the restrictions were lifted, contact with others was cherished and treasured as never before. For many, friendships and family connections have become more important than ever before.

The first year of the pandemic was a time when friendships and relationships were treasured, when the hectic pace of life slowed down and when there was a time for reflection and appreciation of what life had to offer.

This was a glimpse into a better world. With a little effort, this world could become a reality.

Now, five years after the start of the COVID-19 restrictions, our world is once again at a time of uncertainty. The circumstances are different. Instead of a global pandemic, the uncertainties today have to do with global tensions, affecting us here in Canada. 

Recent frequent statements by the U.S. president, belittling Canada鈥檚 sovereignty, have some wondering what will happen next. Tariffs, imposed in early March, will affect Canada鈥檚 economy, and further tariffs on Canadian goods have been suggested.

As in March of 2020, the present reality for Canadians in March of 2025 is defined by an unknown future. The question is how we will choose to respond to this state of uncertainty.

Five years ago, in the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, we were given a brief look at the possibility of a better world, despite the challenges of the day.

The uncertainties today could once again provide the incentive to create better world.

John Arendt is the editor of the Summerland Review.