What Changes do you Think Will Stick Post-pandemic?

This is a simple question with a complicated answer. COVID-19 isn’t the first pandemic the world has experienced in the history of human experience—it is the first time our modern- high-tech- smartphone-driven way of life has been so greatly effected. That said, companies are slowly reopening their doors. Manufacturing facilities are turning back on the lights. And, at the time of this writing, Elon Musk has gone to Twitter to argue for his Tesla plant to continue work along with other vehicle manufacturers. Change is happening, albeit slowly. And it’s leading us toward what we’ll soon know as the “new normal.” 

While Elon drew my attention towards southern California, I found a piece in the Los Angeles Times: Lifestyle section about what changes they hope stay once the pandemic is over. The article is understandably LA-centric, but it got me thinking: yeah, there are some things I’d like to remain—or moreover, continue the renewed appreciation of.

Masks (when we’re ill). They’re uncomfortable and can be ill-fitting but there are a number of airborne viruses spread around by coughing, sneezing, or merely the saliva floating in the air as you speak. From the common cold to influenza, wearing a washable mask to limit contagion seems like a decent idea we should hang onto. How many people are walking around your grocery store during the flu season? How many are coughing? If we start culturally accepting the wearing a mask for personal hygiene we may just stay just one step healthier. Bonus points if the covering helps with air quality and filtering out smog.

Appreciation and patience. Pandemic or no, we’re all in the same storm. The attention to essential workers from first responders to those making minimum wage is inspiring. On patience, modern technologies have provided a blanket of immediate results throughout our day that giving the moment an extra bit of time can make so much of a difference. Today’s stores are limiting the number of people inside and space customers out for checkout, and people for the most part are being accommodating. Imagine accomplishing this with the crowds rushing to buy Tickle Me Elmo back in 1996. (Ok, I’m officially old.)

Connection. Number eight from the LA Times article. This situation has given more purpose to check in with family as well as neighbors. While social distancing has its own challenges, seeing people in their front yard somehow has a slightly different meaning today. The neighborhood Facebook group has never been more active and I’m sure the Nexdoor group is too (if only I could remember my password). We all need just a little help from time to time, the kind gesture or gift can offer a baking dish of comfort.

These are merely my thoughts and in no way are they perfect solutions; for one, wearing a PPE mask puts up a bit of trouble in identifying a suspect. Agree or disagree, what changes would you like to “stick”?

As always, stay safe out there. And thank you.