The questions are to be answered on the basis of what is stated or implied in the passage. Choose the most appropriate answer; that is, the response that most accurately and completely answers the questions.
It is undeniable that the Corona virus disease has taken the world by surprise. Governments radically forced guidelines that, in a matter of days, shut down businesses indefinitely and people found themselves compelled to abide by new norms. While the hygiene measures remained the same as for previous pandemics, the social distancing norms were particularly disruptive and made the experience unique. To society, social distancing presents the dangers of increasing social rejection, growing impersonality and individualism, and the loss of a sense of community. It negatively affects learning and growth, and it prevents people from effectively socialising, which is a fundamental human need. First and foremost, the measures carried a strong psychological message, which is the fear of others, along with the idea that others are potential carriers of deadly germs and life-threatening diseases. The alarming rate of contamination and death from the virus contributed to establishing more panic and even paranoia among many. What is particularly concerning is the fact that this psychological effect could potentially remain in our communities, even long after the pandemic. Whether this is at work, in restaurants, or in public spaces, our society has long been characterised by physical interactions between people. We are used to working in groups, going places, meeting new people, and making conversations with them on a daily basis. As we navigate through life, much of what fulfills us are the bonds we create with other people, and more often than not, those bonds materialise through physical interactions. Indeed, feeling insufficiently connected to others is associated with profound and lasting negative consequences on physical and mental health, even leading to increased mortality. Physical interactions are an essential part of human social experience, and they are particularly important for the social development of young people. Indeed, young people flourish socially through connections and fulfilling relationships, which are also an integral part of their learning. By closing schools, the pandemic has prevented many children and adolescents from socialising with others. This has affected their ability to make quality connections, which impacts their personal growth. Long-term isolation leaves these basic human needs unsatisfied and ultimately affects mental health.