Since the start of the pandemic, uncertainty has marked the progression of the disease. The virus has forced the world to enter an unexplored terrain, where any strategy is questionable due to the inexistence of precedents. What, how and how much will our lives change because of the epidemic?
Life on the planet has taken a dramatic turn since the coronavirus pandemic was detected. No one knows how long it will last or how it will get out of it. Many things that were normal until just a few months ago probably won’t be normal anymore.
The world is not going to be the same in terms of customs, organization as a society, economy, culture. The priorities that were there until this moment, no longer exist. A new world is appearing in which we are going to move from this moment on.
These changes will depend, above all, on how long it takes to control the pandemic and find a vaccine.
When the pandemic ends and social distancing rules are relaxed, many people will continue to work remotely from home. In a scenario like this, technology companies will have greater dominance and growth, but other sectors such as restaurants, bars and small businesses will be severely hit.
Indications are that there will be fundamental changes in the forms of labor organization. Many people will prefer not to take long trips every morning and night to do a job that could be done at home. Teleworking will prevail in almost all industries and services. And with this there will be a faster technological evolution. Hopes are that the G5 data transmission system be implemented in much less time than originally expected.
It will revalue outdoor life and avoid any large crowds. Massive concentrations are likely to cease to be so popular for a considerable while, and it shall eventually change the type of home we prefer to live in.
A consensus is being formed that there will be some degree of loss of individual liberties, “there will be massive surveillance.” Health certificates will be required to travel, and measuring fever or blood pressure may possibly be required on each trip.
The change in tourism
Our way of traveling will also affect tourism because, at least this year, the traveler will have other preferences, “the priority will be to stay healthy.” Changes will be directed to avoid crowds, to ensure social distances and above all to avoid contact.
- We will be much stricter as travelers with security and hygiene measures.
- We will prefer local tourism, close to our surroundings.
- We will look for destinations that have implemented sound security measures.
- We will want destinations without overcrowding, there will be an inland movement that can be an opportunity for emptied Spain.
- We are going to look for accommodation for the family, with a garden, swimming pool, etc., that allow us to enjoy nature but without being exposed to more people / more contact with others.
- Traveling to enjoy the beach will be less tempting due to the difficulty to keep social distance.
- It will be a tourism in most aspects more sustainable.
- Transportation will be more in private cars as it gives more security compared to public transportation.
It will take us a long time to see full theaters, concert halls or football stadiums, although some of these activities may be carried out with a limited capacity to maintain social distance.
Distance in hotels and restaurants
Hotels and restaurants are businesses used to maintaining a high level of cleanliness and hygiene, but now they must adapt to sanitary control to avoid the risk of contagion.
Hotels will have to go to great lengths to disinfect rooms with the arrival of new guests. Clients may need to wear gloves inside the hotel and common contact elements such as knobs, TV remote controls, switches…
The dining rooms of the restaurants will probably have to settle for filling half their capacity and establishing distances of 1.5 or 2 meters between the tables or through the usage of partitions. Also, the tables and chairs will have to be disinfected every time there is a change of diners.
A summer without crowds
The ones that already take for granted that they will not be able to resume activity in the coming months are the cultural festivals.
This summer we will not see either concerts or mass shows, which will have to limit their capacity, guarantee social distance or be cancelled. Many hope to be able to hold them in the autumn.
Many countries are already thinking about reopening their borders when the number of contagion starts to decrease. It will probably take some time for travel and large movements to recover the pace of before the coronavirus. That is why it is recommended not to plan any major trips or holidays abroad for the time being. Likewise, access to swimming pools or beaches should be regulated if they are opened. Some cities on the coast are already working on how to delimit the zones for bathers.
Gloves and masks in trade
Stores and shops will also have to comply with strict hygiene and safety measures. Stores provide their customers and employees with gloves and hand sanitizer gel.
There will be a limited capacity within the premises and in the case of clothing stores the fitting rooms will be partially open, scattering those that are available to ensure that social distancing is respected.
Garments will also be under strict control; those tried on by customers or returned will have to be sanitized before they are made available to other customers.
An end of school year away from classrooms
Regarding colleges and universities, countries have followed different strategies. Some have cut the school year short, while others work with the idea of returning to classrooms while maintaining the required distance measures.
Online courses have been maintained with online classes and they have scheduled final exams by electronic means so as not to miss the academic year.
Life will not be exactly the same as before
“A possible effect of these changes is that people will never stop wondering when the next pandemic could happen”
