With every major world event, life is altered in small ways forever. For example, when the attacks of September 11, 2001 occurred, passengers boarding flights from that day and beyond were subjected to more thorough screening before boarding. This has become the new normal. It got me thinking, what things will change forever because of COVID-19? Here are some of my predictions. If any of you know me, I’m not the best at predictions, but let’s face it. Predictions can be interesting, one way or the other.
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<li>Social distancing is here to stay forever. People may get together in the homes of friends and loved ones, but the two meter (six foot) gap in public will remain. I think people actually like the extra space.</li>
<li>Gloves and a mask will become standard even on the hottest days.</li>
<li>You will have to justify every single sneeze or cough your body emits.</li>
<li>COVID-19 will mark the end of cash. Money is always dirty no matter how you spend it, but cash especially cash. Everything will be electronic from this day forward. I’m not sure what people, myself included, who rely on coin operated laundry machines will do. Hopefully they will come up with a reasonable solution to this inevitable problem.</li>
<li>Increased surveillance of everything.</li>
<li>The boarder checkpoints will stay even at the provincial borders. Nobody wants to risk the possibility of getting sick ever again. People will have to produce valid reasons to cross into any jurisdiction. If you don’t fit one of the reasonable answers, you’ll be sent home.</li>
<li>People will get less exercise for fear of another virus in the elements.</li>
<li>Prices for pretty much everything will increase.</li>
<li>Those businesses who were forced to shut down, may not be able to re open at all. If they do, they may not be able to rehire their workers as fast as they want to.</li>
<li>No more social outings for a while. Cinemas, restaurants, malls, and any other kind of store will have to figure out if they can make a comeback from something this crazy. There will be even more internet shopping if the big box places can’t open.</li>
<li>Grocery home delivery will become normal</li>
</ul>
So, there you have it. I’m sure there’s more, but that’s enough for one day.