The New Normal... Post COVID

Here in Egypt, much like the rest of the world, we're entering week 12 of quarantine. We've pretty much gotten used to staying home. However, in spite of a consistent rise in COVID cases here, things are gradually going to be opening up within a few weeks. Now, that doesn't mean things will go back to normal.

It's clear that things aren't ever really going to go back "normal" until there's a vaccine. Although according to the World Health Organization, more than 100 vaccines are in various stages of development around the world, it could take between 12-18 months for one to be read for the public. This means that we are going to have to coexist with the virus for the foreseeable future. 

Staying at home as much as possible is your best bet, but at times, going out is necessary. Masks are now mandatory in Egypt. As uncomfortable as they are, they're a must.  They're part of the new normal. Wearing a mask shows respect and protects you and those around you. Who knows how many asymptomatic carriers are roaming around the grocery store or your workplace? It could be you.

In Egypt, when we meet a friend or relative, we always greet each other with a kiss on each cheek. Kissing hello is a habit we have to break in this strange new world. Not even a handshake is ok anymore and you can forget about a hug. A hand on the chest with hearty salam from 6 feet away will have to suffice. 

I don't see open buffets or pot lucks being a thing again for a long time. It's not at all a good idea to have communal food at this moment in time. Shared serving utensils? Just no. Gatherings all together aren't wise right now but maybe outdoors, while keeping a safe distance? (Really, I'm asking.)

Hand cream, soap, and immune-boosting product sales are on the rise since the start of the pandemic. Obviously, handwashing is at an all-time high, as is using sanitizers and alcohol sprays. This is a great habit to keep no matter what, but it's very drying. Manufacturers are coming up with better, less drying formulas for soaps and sanitizing gels to keep up with consumer demands.

Before COVID invaded our world, most people's daily routine consisted of going into their places of work every day. Lockdown orders have forced employers to allow many people to work remotely. Now that we've seen that it can be done, it will encourage more companies to consider it long term. 

The toll this virus has taken on all of us is unprecedented, but it's not nearly as severe as the toll it's taken on healthcare workers.  The role of doctors, nurses, orderlies, and other essential workers in and out of the medical field has been nothing short of martyrdom. This unfortunately will be the case until there's a vaccine. Until then, following precautions and regulations is what we can do in order to minimize the cases. 

That's really the crux of it all. We need to make the new normal this: following government orders, taking every precaution, and sitting tight until we can relax things and not before. 

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