The New Normal: Life After Covid 19

By: Earl Francis Dacara

As the Novel Covid 19 pandemic may have peaked and started winding down, all are gearing towards venturing out of self-isolation and returning to work with the same individual routine. It is almost certain, however, that the world we will be returning to will not be the same as the pre-Covid 19 world weeks ago. We have no choice, but to face the ‘new normal’ as the old normal is no more.

But not yet, just not yet. Until the government gives the green light, we should still stay home.

In fact, business and life will never be the same after COVID-19. We have witnessed how this dire situation extremely affected the way we work, communicate, worship, buy, bank, negotiate, learn, play, and even consult with doctors. Business owners and employees had helplessly succumbed to the marvels of technology and the internet by working and meeting online when normally they must go physically to their respective offices.

Until there is a vaccine or treatment for COVID-19, we will have to maintain some enduring social distancing and intensified hygiene standards which include sanitizing and, of course, handwashing. We have no other option but to adapt. This is the new practice that should develop into a habit.

The ‘new normal’ simply means we cannot go back to the usual life-routine. It does not, however, mean that we need to repeat the weeks of arduous and strict physical distancing and self-isolation against the pains of being fined for stay-home order violations. It does mean further limits to interactions to prevent additional outbreaks but can be implemented by the government if necessary.

As this happened, how do we now go through during this new normal way of life? How do we live our lives risk-free and without compromising the efforts we have done to control this dreaded viral pandemic?

To state, in a less pretentious manner, there is yet no concrete formula. All we must expect is that we shall continue the preventive measures we have done for months of social and physical distancing. Probably, there might be continuous testing of people for COVID-19 before they enter any crowded public venues. 

Among other countries, Canada is more conservative in dealing with opening up of industries going back to business. The Province of Ontario has also announced its own framework to gradually open up, unlike some more aggressive provinces who went ahead like Quebec, Saskatchewan and British Columbia.

The ‘new normal’ life will always be haunted by the fear of getting afflicted by the virus anytime, anywhere. With the possibility of serious illnesses spreading in the workplace, there might also be a permanent shift toward work-from-home. The now popular videoconferencing for meetings and distance learning for schools might be much more common after the pandemic than before.

One measure that may be implemented where people must be physically present, workspaces might be changed to increase space between workers. Barriers could be erected to protect against aerosol droplets produced by coughs, sneezes, or even just talking. Barriers in grocery stores and other businesses may be necessary.

Among the possible measures to be implemented during the ‘new normal’ may include:

Avoiding huge crowds/mass gatherings. Many will continue to stay isolated, keep away from large gatherings and practice physical distancing for at least one (1) meter apart.

Physical Distancing at place of employment. Distancing rules shall be implemented and respected by employees. Work from home and tele/ videoconferencing will be an option.

Face mask is the norm after the pandemic outbreak. Many countries impose or recommend use of mask in public places. Wearing gloves could be normal.

Everyone will be glued to the use of internet, no excuses. The ‘no-contact’ way of doing business will continue. Digital commerce will flourish.

Public transportation will still be a challenge and risky. During fair weather, bicycles or e-bikes will be more popular. International travels will be for essential and exceptional purposes. for work or short travels.

Maintaining a healthy diet, regular exercise and rest to boost immune system and mental health will be a priority. Home gyms and online tutorial exercises are popular. Regular sanitizing, washing hands and avoid touching the face are highly recommended.

Family clinic consultations will have to adapt to change. Digital tools such as telehealth and remote patient monitoring might still be in place.

Education will experience unprecedented changes learning and teaching. The use online tools to continue distance education will remain. Learning from home will be a new practice.

It is expected that many events will be canceled, postponed or may be ‘reinvented’ with new formats. Sports, video-on-demand, indoor sports will be popular.

Further, this viral pandemic will change forever how we clean and disinfect hospitals, long-term care homes, schools, stores, offices, and even our homes, says a veteran director of environmental services in health-care settings.

This pandemic has been an eye-opener on the value of best practices in protecting seniors in retirement and long-term care facilities, and the importance of safe practice and protection of all health care workers and other front liners.

Legal Practice will evolve by dealing more on Phone communications, email and file-sharing applications, video conferencing and remote services, e.g. commissioning or notarizing. 

When face-to-face Contact Is Necessary in legal practice, taking certain precautions can reduce infection risks by Keeping your distance, cleaning surfaces, meeting outdoors instead of the office. 

Even with all the precautions, we may still be faced with additional and unexpected local outbreaks. Thus, local lockdowns and quarantines will still be implemented as required.

It would be helpful to all of us if we will be prepared, all the time, for the appearance of another lethal virus in the future. As we have experienced, the world did not take the lessons of the past seriously; there were no ready precautions and security measures put in place, despite several forceful warnings of possible future pandemics occurrences. As such, the viral onslaught caught the entire world that is tragically unprepared.

Once this pandemic is over, we should take an in-depth look at what we did right and wrong and use it to ready ourselves for another outbreak. That would include honing our strategies, preparing emergency stocks of medical supplies, and reforming laws to rein in governments that were overly zealous in implementing social isolation policies.

Every country and its citizens should be educated to understand that temporary restrictions which are medically necessary to stop the spread of a deadly virus, and do not directly curtail individual rights and freedoms, nor signify permanent tyranny.

As we emerge from our homes and start rebuilding the economy in due time, we must learn how to face the ‘new normal’ with confidence and utmost caution.

Given the speed and breadth of international travel, it would not be impossible that worldwide pandemics will become a frequent occurrence. There will be new viruses emerging in the future as old bacteria are becoming more resistant.

However, and whatever the case may be, everyone of us should be ready in case they do. No excuses.

Disclaimer: The above is NOT intended as legal practice/advice from the writer. Readers are enjoined to seek advice from a legal professional.

The writer is a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) and CEO of Northern Quest Canadian Immigration Services Inc. with offices at Suite 203, 169 Dundas St. East, Executive Offices, Suite 203 Mississauga, ON L5A 1W6. He is also an associate Paralegal from Y.S.N. & Associates Professional Corporation with offices at 1018 Finch Ave. West, Suite 100, Toronto, ON M3J 3L5 with contact # Direct: 647-302.3508, Tel. 905-232.4553, Fax 905-232.4551, email: dacaralegal@hotmail.com / earldacara@gmail.com