COVID-19, which defined the year 2020, has changed the world in more ways than one. The impact on the economy has been devastating, and would most likely be felt even after the pandemic is over. The pandemic may also have significant political implications, with competing narratives of more authoritarian measures versus greater transparency to control the virus. More importantly, the human cost in terms of lives lost, long-term health effects on those exposed to the virus, as well as the mental and emotional anguish that go with these and prolonged isolation would be immeasurable. For organizations like the Council of Asian Liberals and Democrats, the impact has also been enormous.
