By Cal Orey
In December 2019, the threat of the novel coronavirus
in Asia soon became a sobering reality around the world... So, what will our lives be like in 2021 and 2022?
As the virus spread in
Italy and offshore on cruise ships, we didn’t know of the scope of how the
virus named Covid-19 would affect America. As the virus made its way to nursing
homes in Washington and New York City became the epicenter – people were
introduced
to a global pandemic. And then, our lives changed.
We quickly were introduced to quarantining in our
homes to isolation from friends and family. Cities and towns were shutdown.
Stockpiling food was the new normal. It was time to mask up, wash our food and
hands – and fear the unknown. At first, going to the doctor, work, restaurants,
gym, hair salon and dog groomer were off limits. Only essential services –
groceries and medications --were available to us unless we were an essential
worker – doctors, police, firefighters and store clerks. Now, more than a year
later, welcome to what the future may be like for us now in the Spring of 2021 and
into 2022.
Social Distancing:
These days, more services are open to people depending on where they live and
what tier they’re in to determine what activities are safe. Most businesses –
except bars, indoor restaurants, and concerts to large crowded events – are
open but capacity is limited. Masking up (now we’re told to double up) is the
norm but still countless people do not follow the restriction for political
reasons. In 2022, wearing a mask inside most businesses will likely be arequirement as a safety precaution – especially where there are isolatedoutbreaks -- and on all public transportation. (I wrote this article a week before Dr. Fauci's statement was publicized.) And note, some people will continue to stay home, stay safe and keep distancing, especially during outbreaks and when variants are spreading.
Health (Body/Mind):
People and doctors adapted to telemedicine. In fact, both patients and
healthcare practitioners like the convenience of this high-tech type of
appointment. On screen doctors are going to still be used; however, preventive
healthcare visits may begin to be more frequent. The downside is post traumatic
stress disorder is going to be commonplace. Mental health due to stress,
anxiety, and depression due to the pandemic stressors of isolation to losing
friends and family, will be more prevalent than ever before. People will seek
help through conventional and holistic ways to cope and move forward.
Work from Home:
The new work from home or remote working will continue for countless
businesses. During the ups and downs of adjusting to the new remote business environment,
we’ve learned it is healthier because there is less commuting, cleaner air, and
more time for chillaxing. While essential workers will continue to attend the
workplace, non-essential workers will stay at home and embrace the new normal.
School Days:
Kids, parents, and teachers have all been challenged by dealing with at home
schooling or hybrid learning (on and off days at school). By 2022 attending
schools will likely be back to normal – but there will be safety precautions
for all. Also, for isolated virus outbreaks, at home schooling will be used as
needed.
Play Indoors/Outdoors:
In 2021 we are still canceling large events, such as sports and music concerts.
By 2022, we may find ourselves enjoying crowds once again. However, safety
precautions like in other open businesses will be used and accepted. During the
next year, probably more than 60 percent of Americans will have been vaccinated
but masking up in a crowd will likely still be requested to keep people safer.
Dining Out:
Since eating in restaurants is one of the riskiest activities, businesses will
be following safety precautions for safety’s sake. But if the virus continues
to wane, capacity at eateries may be back to near normal. During the pandemic
the surge of home-cooking was a healthful change. People were forced to eat
more healthier, immune-boosting, heart-healthy foods and had more control with
ingredients and portion sizes. And this trend may last. Also, while gyms have
been shut, we have turned to creative at-home workouts which may last.
Travel: Currently, there
is talk of “Test Before You Fly” if we want to fly internationally. Showing
proof of a negative Covid-19 test is used by some states for domestic travel.
Also, some states enforce travelers to quarantine for 14 days. In 2022, the
quarantine restriction may be lifted if we show proof of a negative test and/or
vaccination. This will vary amongst airlines, states, and countries…Road trips to
camping in the great outdoors will still be more common than flying due to
changes and rules, much like after 9-11. Cruises will not be as popular as they
once were. Hotels will be more popular than motels because they have more of a
budget to follow safety precautions. But the hospitality industry will take a
long time to recover so most lodging will suffer economic consequences.
The bottom line: By 2022, the world as we knew it during
pre-pandemic times will be a memory and the future will not be the same. After
the height of the AIDS pandemic, we were wary as the uncertainty and danger of
contracting the virus lingered. But we adapted to a new normal. While a vaccine
was not discovered for HIV, we do have therapeutics that help bolster the
immune system, whereas, people who are infected can and do live healthier and
longer lives. But there is no cure so we take precautions.
While Covid-19 may never disappear – and the variants
may present a more contagious and deadly virus -- nobody knows the answer yet.
But the odds are that we will continue to fight Covid-19 and new variants.
We will enjoy socializing, sports and cultural events,
and traveling by 2022. But note, we will never forget the horrors of the
pandemic and loss of lives. And there is the threat for new superbugs that may
pay us a visit. The best part? Some people believe there will be a resurgence
of activities like the Roaring Twenties and we will do all the things we’ve
missed dearly. Yes, life will go on – but it will be a new, guarded world after
the relentless coronavirus blindsided us.
-- Cal Orey, M.A. Is an author and journalist. Her books include
the Healing Powers Series (Vinegar, Olive Oil, Chocolate, Honey, Coffee, Tea,
Superfoods, Essential Oils, Herbs and Spices) published by Kensington. (The
collection has been featured by the Good Cook Book Club.) Her website is http://www.calorey.com.
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