It’s hard to picture now, but someday COVID-19 will be over. Today’s “new normal” will give way to...what, I wonder? Because it seems like parts of the “old normal” won’t — or at least shouldn’t — be coming back.
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Some of the changes may be minor and symbolic. Will we go back to shaking hands, or will that habit just fade away? will touching one’s face in public be seen as uncouth?
But bigger, structural changes finally seem within reach. Spain is now working on making universal basic income a permanent solution. And the argument for universal health care has never been clearer.
With environmentalism, it’s been a mixed bag. On the one hand, we’ve had a clear demonstration of how quickly fossil fuel and pollution can be reduced. On the other hand, reusable items are now out and disposable ones in — we weren’t even allowed to bring in our canvas bags on our last shopping trip.
Public transportation is taking a major hit. It’s a necessity of life in any city, but those who have other options (me included) will drive instead — or, if they’re lucky, telecommute. A lot of employers are discovering that it’s not that hard to make the transition to telecommuting. Others, like mine, are resistant even when it’s clear the work is getting done.
For schools and a lot of industries, 2020 is essentially a “lost year.” And a lot of small businesses can’t afford that. Though I imagine there will be quite a spending spree once people feel safe setting foot in a bookstore/clothing store/restaurant again. I miss filling the streets in protests and demonstrations, and am not sure what could adequately replace it.
What do you think life will look like, post-corona?
On to Top Comments!
From your humble (if antisocially distancing) diarist:
BMScott has pictures of lovely masks made by dailykos’s own quilters, Sara R and winglion - and a link to make those masks your own!
In Walter Einenkel’s diary Liberty University sued for “profiting” off corona virus pandemic, Tortmaster had a wickedly accurate description of Jerry Falwell Junior.
Top mojo, courtesy of mik:
Picture quilt, courtesy of jotter: