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Two days ago marked the fifth anniversary since the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a global pandemic. It’s a milestone that has prompted reflection on how life has changed, as well as what has stayed the same. As we look back, we see a complex tapestry of evolution and stagnation that has reshaped societies worldwide in profound ways.
The Remote Work Revolution
One of the most significant changes driven by the pandemic is the rise of remote work. In the United States alone, about 60% of jobs were adjusted to be performed remotely during the height of the pandemic. Impressively, as of 2025, nearly one-third of these workers continued to work from home full-time according to a Pew Research Center survey. The hybrid work model has become a staple, with many workers now splitting their time between home and the office. For many, remote work has become essential, and approximately half indicated they would seek new jobs if required to return to the office full-time. This shift has altered not just work environments but also the dynamics of work-life balance, with many noting an improvement in their quality of life.
The lingering shadow of long COVID
While the virus has become more manageable for most and deaths have notably declined since the early pandemic surge, COVID-19 remains a present threat. Millions, including immunocompromised individuals like Susan Scarbro of North Carolina, continue to face the challenge of long COVID, which remains a significant concern. It’s a reality shared by many who find themselves still wearing masks and following strict health protocols in social settings, even as most others move on.
Education’s New Normal
Across educational institutions, the legacy of COVID-19 is evident in how learning environments are shaped. According to reports, students fell behind academically, especially in STEM subjects like math and reading, where disparities have grown among different socioeconomic and racial groups. Even as absenteeism starts to recover, the full effects on social isolation and mental health of children and young adults are still unfolding.
The Ever-Present Work-from-Home Culture
The pandemic sent nearly everyone capable of working remotely back home—transforming the nature of work in the U.S. As of the latest reports, a third of those who were working remotely during the pandemic have continued to do so exclusively from home. The majority say this lifestyle has improved their work-life balance and are reluctant to return to full-time, in-office work. According to Deseret News, many employees would consider other job opportunities if asked to return full-time to the workplace. This trend signals a redefinition of professional life, revealing both resilience and resistance as businesses continue to adapt.
Trust in Public Health: Eroding or Enduring?
While government-imposed COVID-19 restrictions faced widespread scrutiny and criticism, the role of public health officials and local hospitals retained some public trust. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 78% of Americans felt positive about the response of local medical centers. However, skepticism toward media reporting and scientific expertise has grown, with half of Americans believing that the media exaggerated pandemic risks—an opinion widely polarized along political lines.
Generational Shifts in Social and Work Culture
The prolonged period of work-from-home arrangements led to significant shifts in workplace norms. Many have grown accustomed to the flexibility that remote jobs offer, with 60% reporting improvements in their work-life balance. It has become a non-negotiable aspect for those who embraced it—with half stating they’d look for new employment if called back to a physical workspace. Yet, unemployment soared to a record 14.4% in April 2020 before receding to near pre-pandemic levels by end of 2021. This period forced many, particularly women, out of the workforce, contributing to a reshaping of economic structures.
The Rise of Telemedicine: A Changed Healthcare Landscape
The COVID-19 pandemic has also left a lasting mark on healthcare delivery. Telemedicine, once a nascent technology, has become significantly more mainstream, enhancing healthcare access across many disciplines. Telemedicine has notably improved access to behavioral health services, providing flexibility and safety for both patients and healthcare professionals.
According to Deseret News, other societal shifts include an increased ‘vaccine skepticism’, revealing a deeper concern with scientific authority that was magnified during the pandemic. Indeed, the handling of evolving information about COVID-19 protocols, such as mask guidelines that changed over time, fueled a wave of skepticism and also hamstrung efforts to communicate scientific evidence effectively.
Perhaps somewhat hearteningly, the pandemic highlighted global disparities in healthcare access, leading to stronger calls for a more equitable ‘new normal’ in public health. This concept emphasizes moving away from market-driven healthcare towards models that prioritize resilience and accessibility for all, lessons that resonate strongly in our rapidly changing world. But even five years later, the haunting face of systemic issues in healthcare and the societal divisions amplified by the pandemic remind us of the emotional toll it continues to take.
According to Deseret News, the pandemic not only exposed existing societal rifts but also significantly impacted various aspects of life, including shifts to remote work, online education, changes in religious practices, and an ongoing challenge with long COVID 【4:4†covid-19-5-years-later-what-changed-and-what-stayed-the-same1876267627.md】. Many working professionals value the improvements in work-life balance offered by remote work . Additionally, socio-economic and racial disparities have widened, especially in education, further complicating the landscape five years on【2:3†file-QQ1v4fxfEUUmHEvgRcw9EH】.
There is a notable decline in the uptake of routine screenings, impacting long-term health outcomes. Telemedicine, however, has emerged as a significant positive change, enhancing access to healthcare for those with mobility constraints【4:4†source】. As the pandemic gave rise to societal challenges and polarized views, individuals have sought their own information sources, leading to increased misinformation and growing distrust in scientific expertise【4:4†source】 .
Immerse yourself in this transformative five-year journey, as we dissect the emotions and lessons learned from both the triumphs and challenges experienced during this period of global change. According to Deseret News, these shifts represent both a testament to resilience and an opportunity to critically reflect on how far we’ve come and where we hope to go.
