“The light at the end of the tunnel” as it has been so cleverly called seems to be getting closer and closer with each passing day, Dr. Bonnie Henry even suggested that the pandemic could be behind us in the summertime (I mean we will believe it when we see it). This (fantastic) news has everyone reeling with anticipation of actually getting back to normal lives, such as going to concerts, dancing in clubs, traveling (wait for it) internationally?! 

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All these wonderful things that we have been taking advantage of before the pandemic we are all craving to do once again. But how quickly will people actually be wanting to do these things?

My prediction is it won’t be an overnight flip. Even after mass vaccination people will still have to get over the mental hurdle of being around a crowd of people, talking to strangers face to face and being in very public spaces such as airports, malls and stadiums.

Now if I had to make an educated guess I would say that the roll back to “normal” will be quite slow and when COVID-19 is no longer our biggest concern some things will be forever changed. For example, (these are my personal predictions) masks will become more mainstream to wear in the winter months and when you are sick, just like the plexiglass barriers that are in every store will be here to stay as well. 

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I think it’ll be important for those who are more anxious about getting back to normal to be heard and respected. Just like the things that will be forever changed, everyone will also be forever changed from this experience. Whether that just be more people taking care of their personal hygiene or just never taking their relationships for granted again.

Some people will need more time to get back into the flow of things and establish their comfort zone, and we don’t need more violence against people who are wearing masks and keeping their distance. 

So when that day comes my fellow COVID ending anticipators, be kind it’ll be our chance to move steps forward and not back.