After several weeks of seeing the same four walls of our homes, cries of ending the lockdown flood our social media newsfeed. From Twitter to Facebook, folks have been vocal about how they already want to go back to the way things were before the global health crisis hit us. The question now is, can we truly go back to the way things were?
Going Back to the Old Ways
The disease brought about by the novel coronavirus is relatively new. Despite what we know about it so far, there are still no clear solutions to putting a stop to it.
A few pharmaceutical companies claim to be working on a COVID-19 vaccine but it may take a few more months before we can see it on the market. It still has to undergo different tests to find out how effective it is in fighting the virus. Until we get to that point and develop herd immunity to it, it is best to assume that the threat of the disease still remains even if the lockdowns have been lifted.
For this reason, we cannot risk going back to how we conducted our affairs and businesses. Even if the lockdowns and quarantines are history, the government will still put in place safety precautions and regulations to keep the American people as healthy as possible.
The New Normal
Social Connections
Social and physical distancing will still be strictly observed to prevent a resurgence of cases. Greetings will now be in the form of nods, waving of hands, bumping of elbows, and other similar acts. Keeping a distance of at least six feet between others in public is still recommended.
Food and Retail
Food and other essential retail shops will continue to remain in operation. Restaurant owners are opening their dining rooms to a limited number of people at a time. However, to-go, delivery, and catering services will be the new norm. Smorgasbord and sandwich catering companies in Salt Lake City, Providence, and different parts of the country will be among those that will be busy during this season. Customers will turn to e-commerce and online shopping, especially for non-essential items.
Healthcare Sector
The changes in medical practice have changed over the past few weeks as online and virtual consultations and appointments have significantly increased. This will continue for non-emergency medical cases to help hospitals deal with COVID-19 patients and other more life-threatening emergencies.
Religious Practices
Since social distancing will still be in effect, places of worship will still be closed to the public. Worship services and practices will continue to be held online. Ministerial counseling will be done over the phone or video chat.
Education
Educators and students have all gone online to continue their education. E-learning and homeschooling will be the new educational norm for the time being as schools. These new solutions could actually be an opportunity for innovations in the educational system.
Work
Most people will have to embrace the fact that they will need to do remote work for an extended period, whether they like it or not. Although certain industries might reopen, certain restrictions won’t allow them to operate at full capacity at this time. Online freelance jobs will probably increase in demand as a lot of blue-collar workers might still not be able to go back to work due to these restrictions.
Entertainment and Amusement
Any form of public gatherings such as concerts and events will still be prohibited to prevent a second wave of COVID-19-positive cases. Entertainers and athletes will continue to do virtual shows for audiences all over the world.
Despite the numerous recoveries and discoveries, we have to learn how to adapt to the situation until we get to the point where it is finally safe to set foot outside our homes.
