Will life be more normal in the Spring? Or will we never return to life pre-COVID-19?
We’ve all lived in COVID-19 land for about a year now. Most of us have probably gotten used to the new normal: wearing masks, social distancing and washing or sanitizing our hands.
We will probably follow basic protocols for months or even years still. However, businesses are starting to stay open later and relax their policies. Despite scientists saying we need to continue wearing masks and social distancing until at least midsummer, according to the New York Times, we are starting to become comfortable.
It’s not what we want to hear, but we need to hear the realities that face us.
I’ve taken daily walks around downtown Moscow to observe the everyday life our citizens. I see people with and without masks walking up and down the sidewalks. I see people enjoying their own company or the company of others.
The businesses around Moscow advertise “required masks” or nothing at all. People get to choose their preferred mode like we’re living in a relaxed version of the apocalypse.
I think life will still look like for the next coming months. Hopefully by late spring, we won’t have to stand in lines reaching out the doors because we need to stay six feet away from each other. Maybe we won’t have to wear masks as often.
Either way, we should all go outside and enjoy more than just the sunshine. We should enjoy the rainy, cloudy and windy days. Winter has dampened our spirit and with COVID-19 looming in the shadows, we all need to spend time outdoors in nature or around town, safely with friends and family.
We’ve learned a lot from COVID-19, but most importantly we’ve learned how to be stronger together though apart.
You can believe whatever you want about life returning to normal. I believe life will never be the same. COVID-19 changed the world. For better or for worse, we’re in this together, however long it takes.
Kim Stager can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter @journalismgoals.
