DURBAN - Although there’s a glimmer of hope that a Covid-19 vaccine will be found sooner than later, experts have reiterated that there will be no return to the “old normal” for the foreseeable future.
There’s been a lot of talk about “the new normal” that people may have to adjust to but what does this mean and how does it look like?
Hilary Godwin
, dean of the University of Washington’s School of Public Health, a year from now, and even beyond that, Godwin expects to still see people wearing masks in public, especially people who are more vulnerable to Covid-19.
“Realistically and sadly, though, life will not go back to what it was for quite some time due to questions around the actual vaccine and how and when it will be distributed. One thing that is important to remember, this is not going to be one of those light switch things when all of a sudden we have a vaccine and everyone is vaccinated. It’s going to take some time,” she said.
Whether in small or large ways, there is undoubtedly a common perception that whatever the future brings, people, companies and organizations will not be going back to the old normal. Activities like crowded sporting events and packed concerts won’t become part of our new normal.
Many trends already underway in the global economy are being accelerated by the impact of the pandemic, says chairman and director of the McKinsey Global Institute, James Manyika.
“This is especially true of the digital economy, with the rise of digital behaviour such as remote working and learning, telemedicine, and delivery services,” states Manyika.
With the increase in digital technologies and the realization that some industries can easily continue without sending staff across the county or across the globe, Godwin says we can count on fewer business trips and more remote work opportunities.
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