Will Life Return to Normal?

In February of 2020, I hosted a Super Bowl Party, chaperoning a van load of teenagers. While most of them chatted and hung out in the arcade of Incredible Pizza, dropping quarters in video games and winning tickets, I sipped on Sprite, munched on pizza and watched my beloved Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl. Although Covid-19 had arrived in the United States, I in no way anticipated a national quarantine. And to even consider a global shutdown bordered on insanity. But, here we are, almost a year later, and restrictions continue to throttle the economy and hamper the public's ability to return to a semblance of normalcy. Is "normal" life a thing of the past?

The dictionary definition for 'normal' is: "conforming to a standard; usual, typical, or expected." So, what would it mean to return to normal? Venues capable of hosting events for thousands of people would once again fill to capacity. Theme parks won't be hampered by counting noses, closing the gates when 25% of the capacity is reached. Churches won't be seating people every other pew or row to encourage social distancing. Store managers will cease posting signs on their doors mandating people wear facial coverings. All schools will be back to in person learning. This list is far from exhaustive. But what will happen when the government and the CDC announce, "Americans need no longer worry about Covid and Social Distancing?" Personally, I believe it will be difficult for many people to return to normal. In fact, in several conversations I've heard the term "new normal" bandied about. But what is this "new normal?"

I'm not sure anyone knows.

I anticipate people fearing future pandemics and being leery of close contact with casual acquaintances and strangers. The age old practice of greeting people with a handshake may be a thing of the past. Hugging may remain taboo. The public arena may continue limiting numbers of people, so that those seeking out entertainment can do so in an environment where they feel safe. And there's the issue of masks. I wouldn't be surprised if masks continue to be worn as a measure of prevention against germ transmission. I've personally known people who wear masks in their own homes. The facial coverings have become a habit, one that may not be easily broken. The pandemic has forced people to focus on self-preservation and that may be the theme of the world for years to come.

However, we must work to return to normal in some settings. Visits with grandparents through picture windows need to stop. People dying in hospital beds, whispering their final goodbyes over FaceTime have to become a thing of the past. People need human contact. The warmth of an embrace, the holding of a hand, once commonplace, have become anything but common. Social distancing has encouraged people to become suspicious of anyone not in their immediate family circle. Contact in the public has become non-existent and taboo. The consequences of the pandemic and quarantining has been devastating, forcing people into an insulated shell of isolation and depression. The normal must return, if for no other reason, the mental health of our nation.

Dr. Fauci believes mask-wearing may be needed into 2022. Variants of Covid lurk on the horizon, therefore precautions will be necessary. Plastic barriers may stay in place. Restaurants may seat diners at every other table and booth. Masks may still be the popular means of fending off invisible viral particles in the air. However, we must discover the means of corralling the disease and loving each other in a meaningful and essential manner.