In the year 2020, the world was drastically hit by the novel virus, which goes by the name of coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This severe respiratory syndrome was officially declared a global pandemic on 11 March 2020 by the World Health Organization (WHO). The outbreak of this virus has increased steadily, and a sudden rise in coronavirus cases was evident across the world.
Stretching from the West to the East, this deadly virus has taken the lives of many. On the other hand, it has severely hindered trade, business, education, and movement. The life-threatening pandemic has wrecked the careers and ordinary lives of many. Not only its victims but other healthy individuals also face impediments in their daily chores and tasks.
The world is sternly drenched in this sickness. Surgical masks, hand sanitizers, gloves, anti-bacterial sprays, and many other disinfectants have become the new normal. Habitual lockdowns, canceling of gatherings and events, an online way of education and business, and maintaining an adequate social distance are some of the major changes bestowed upon the world due to coronavirus outbreaks. One would have never thought that an invisible virus will turn the usual routine of the world upside down. Evident is the actuality that even when the world is finally free from this ailment, the changes left behind by the virus will still be prevalent.
Given the global pandemic, much content has been made to raise awareness regarding saving others and yourself. One such constructive documentary made by Vox was 'Coronavirus Explained'. This limited series premiered on Netflix on 26 April 2020 and trended amongst the viewers as it discussed and explored the efforts to stop the deadly pandemic.
Many talented film makers produce this documentary including Grace Wan. The Canadian film maker is multi-talented and acquires numerous vocations. She is a director, producer, writer, actress, musician, singer and whatnot. She has worked in many movies and has constructive experience in the film industry. The movies in which Grace has worked include Venom, Acts of Vengeance, Game Night, The Lost Wife Of Robert Durst, Cruise, Prime Day Concert 2019, Good Voice Bad Voice, Alphamem, Tic Tac Toe, Jia Fu, Daisy, Friend, Glow, Airport, Riverside, Canada Day, Right or Wrong, Happy New Year, Inseperable, Playground Rules, Good Day, Graffiti Flowers and Arrival.
Coronavirus Explained examines the coronavirus pandemic, the efforts to combat it and ways to manage its mental health toll. This is a limited series which consist of three knowledgeable episodes which are as follows;
Episode 1, "This Pandemic," which J. K. Simmons narrates, discusses how the virus started and spread worldwide. It includes information on the invention of the pandemic and its growth in different countries across the world.
Episode 2, "The Race for a Vaccine" which Laura Linney narrates, sheds light on the prevailing concerns of making a vaccine. The toil to develop a cure of this pandemic and end the torture suffered by the masses.
Episode 3, "How to Cope" is narrated by Idris Elba. It discusses coping mechanisms as the world grapples with the stress of the pandemic and a global lockdown. It unravels strategies to stay positive and ensure both physical and mental wellbeing amidst the virus outbreak.
Filmmakers like Grace Wan are playing an excellent role in raising awareness and spreading knowledge in harsh times. Through their exceptional work of visual arts, they help individuals stay positive and test negative. They guide their viewers on saving yourself from the pandemic and giving substantive knowledge about the ongoing outbreaks.