Societies require "national unity:" the illusion that we are "together." We seek people or events to focus upon to create the sense of unity; reaffirm the existence of a symbolic order. The object that creates unity may be positive or negative: it doesn't matter.

Donald Trump has been the focus or locus of attention for the last several years, uniting people by making himself the center of attention, either as an object of love or hate.

Now, he has been replaced by the coronavirus: a new center--uniting people; bringing them together. Perhaps he may no longer be necessary?