The coronavirus 2019 pandemic has the nation on edge, and rightfully so.

But there are some positives that have surfaced from the outbreak.

With millions of people the world over entering isolation to fight against the spread of COVID-19, the need for positivity becomes even more critical.

Just a few bright spots in what has been a turbulent and unsettling period in our history.

n More of us are working at home. This may signal a major shift in the way we do business.

According to recently released data from the U.S. Census, 5.2 percent of workers in the United States — or 8 million people — work from home.

This is far less than many other countries.

This move in how we work could lead to a more-efficient business world in the future.

n Stores aren’t open 24/7. We realize not everyone in our society works 9 to 5, but who needs to buy a dozen eggs at Walmart at 3 a.m.?

Anyone who has visited an around-the-clock store in the middle of the night can attest to the scarcity of shoppers.

These two changes alone will help make business more efficient.

n The outbreak also has placed increased awareness on personal hygiene. People hoping to avoid infection are placing renewed emphasis on washing their hands and keeping their surroundings cleaner.

n We have become more cognizant of our neighbors and have exhibited an increased feeling of community.

People are looking out for each other, pulling together with a sentiment that we are all in this together.

n Although the stock market has taken a beating in recent weeks, the collapse of interest rates has dropped mortgage rates to all-time lows. The average 30-year mortgage rate has dropped to approximately 3.3 percent. A year ago, the average mortgage rate was at 4.4 percent in comparison.

No one knows how long the nation will be under the grip of the virus.

But don’t overlook the few positives that can be gleaned from the pandemic.

It may not be much, but every little bit helps.