What will the post-COVID19 world look like?

COVID19 has been a major disruption across the globe for more than a year now. Our lives and daily routines have been changed dramatically in response to the virus, including mandated mask wearing, social distancing, lockdowns, and many more measures designed to "stop the spread" of the deadly pathogen. Unfortunately, hundreds of thousands of people have suffered extreme symptoms and even death after contracting the disease. Despite the recent development of several vaccines, we aren't out of the woods yet! However, most people believe that we will eventually get control of the virus, and life will return to normal... or will it? What will our world look like after COVID19 is finally controlled?

At this point, any speculation is purely guesswork. Politicians have hinted at plans to "re-open" the country now that vaccines have been introduced to the general population, but there is still a great deal of fear amongst a large percentage of the population. Some of that fear is warranted and understandable (the virus is a real threat, especially to vulnerable segments of the population), but we have learned a lot about the virus regarding its treatment, symptoms, and how it spreads. Will fear subside as we re-open, or will people continue be look suspiciously at other people who aren't wearing masks and social distancing when it is no longer mandated?

This may seem like a simple question, but the implications could have significant ramifications on our cultural structure and societal norms. For some, the removal of mask and social distancing mandates represent freedom and a return to normalcy. For others, it could have a paralyzing affect, inducing renewed fear, anxiety, and uncertainty about their safety out in public. These people may have become comfortable wearing the masks, or doing business exclusively from their homes (online shopping, working remotely, etc.), and have no interest in returning to old norms. So why does this matter? To each their own, right?

Unfortunately, the pandemic hasn't been the only cultural upheaval that has been thrust upon our country in recent years. The political divide has become a "Grand Canyon-sized" gap between the two sides of the ideological isle, with issues ranging from racism, to presidential politics, and even the pandemic itself. The result of this divide has been mistrust, anger, hatred, and even violence. With political tension already boiling over, the debate over re-opening could become a serious issue for policy makers, and any position on the subject will be scrutinized by the public from all sides.

So what could the post-pandemic landscape look like? Social distancing could become standard, with restaurants and shopping centers permanently adopting the various changes made at the height of the crisis. Masks may not be mandated, but they could be "encouraged", which could increase the amount of tension between those who choose to wear them, and those who don't. If no pandemic changes are kept, and social distancing and masks are deemed "no longer needed", a large percentage of people may choose not to return to public settings at all. Advancements in technology have made remote interactions more common, secure, and convenient, so a lot of people may choose to further embrace these options over in-person. This could have a profound impact on the economy either way, with traditional brick and mortar stores and restaurants being forced to decide between keeping those facilities open, or shifting to a more online-centric business model.

Much like the aftermath of 9/11, some of the immediate changes may not be set in stone, but others will evolve into new norms that will become accepted by the vast majority of the population. No one likes dealing with airport security, but it is doubtful that anyone would question it's importance. Perhaps wearing masks will eventually achieve this kind of acceptance in our society, but it is probably more likely that it will not. Keeping a modest distance between each other while waiting in a line is probably not a bad idea though.

Whatever changes may come, it is reasonable to expect them to be well thought out, based on evidence, and considerate of the social and cultural impact. If these ideals are employed to make sweeping changes, I think most people will be willing to give it a chance. We don't yet know what the post-pandemic world will look like, but it is clear that it may never be the same again.