New Normal

Our daily lives have changed since the coronavirus outbreak started. We have had to change the daily routines we were used to, and this has led to a new expression that describes our new way of life. 

I was stopped at the door of the bank and the guard asked me, "Can I take your temperature?" How many of us have experienced something similar in the past few months?

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed life as we know it. What will "the new normal" mean for us? Until a safe coronavirus vaccine is available, there will continue to be a risk of infection, even as people get back to work, school and a more normal life.

It is time for us to accept that this pandemic, and social isolation, are here for awhile! We are in a new normal! Please bear in mind that we may have to live in the new normal for a very long time.

We have to get used to a new normal due to this virus. COVID-19 is a respiratory illness and it is not known to be transmitted by exposure to food or food packaging. Nonetheless, an emphasis is given on increasing the frequency of hand washing and surface cleaning.

In school, we have to reduce the size of classes and we have to keep children in small groups. We have to wear a face mask all the time in school. 

Restaurants may no longer be able to seat the same number of people, due to social distancing requirements. There will be increased sanitation and cleaning everywhere. 

Droplets from sneezing, coughing or possibly even talking are considered the main way the coronavirus is transmitted, from landing either on another person or surface. Those who touch that surface may be at risk of infection if they then touch their face, especially the eyes or the mouth. 

By wearing a mask, we reduce the amount of particles we express out of our mouths. Since the virus can enter the body through the eyes, standing further apart also reduces the risk of infection. 

The situation is complex. There are many unknowns. We need to be humble, think critically, and be open-minded to different points of view. 

We need to change direction away from a new abnormal and to turn instead toward a healthier new normal.

Strengthening the health system as well as creating adaptive social protection, social solidarity and community resilience must be at the core of the new normal policy. 

The new normal is not the end phase, but rather a process for building resilience. 

This new normal is not made for humans! In difficult times, our deepest human impulse is to draw close to each other, the very thing we have been told NOT TO DO!

We have to be very compassionate and patient with ourselves lately. 

I hope that when reading this post you are beginning to see that you are not alone in the adjustment process. My wish for you is that you have found some peace in the chaos, and learned something about yourself and the world around you.