Although it's been a scare, creating negative effects on the hearts and minds of everyone, COVID-19 has given our normally bustling world a break. The picture above is a street in Atlanta, GA that on most Monday afternoons would be jam-packed with cars and people on their commute home from work. Today, the street is much more relaxed. There are no long lines, honking or profanities being yelled out of windows. Atlanta is one of the busiest cities in the South and is known for its terrible traffic that continuously grows as the population rises. The normal rush hour period is from 2pm to about 7pm. During this period, highways and surface streets are gridlocked and a normal 5-minute drive can turn into a 15 to 30-minute drive. Since the pandemic began, streets have been clear regardless of the time due to businesses closing and people isolating themselves. As a result, the Atlanta commuter is relieved of road rage and frustration, the air becomes cleaner, and even gas prices have fallen. The Coronavirus has brought healing to a city that desperately needed it.
At one of Atlanta’s most popular parks, Piedmont Park, people are getting out and enjoying nature while social distancing. The coronavirus pandemic has encouraged people who did not go outside as much to finally get out and enjoy nature. In neighborhoods all over the city, there are more people out walking, riding bikes, or enjoying outside time with family, than ever seen before. Coronavirus has not only improved air quality due to less cars and trucks on the road, but has promoted healthier lifestyles for people too. This pandemic has given people a chance to take a breather, relax, and enjoy the little things in life that are so overlooked otherwise. Seeing the beautiful weather outside, makes people want to go out and enjoy it. Collectively, this pandemic has led to a healthier community while simultaneously improving everyone’s mental and physical health.
-Kamryn Arnold