Earlier this year, the coronavirus struck the United States and the rest of the world hard. Thought of initially as nothing more than the flu, that was more likely contracted by individuals with serious health problems or the elderly, the virus quickly proved to be highly contagious and discriminative to no one.
As a response federal and local leaders enacted strict regulations including stay at home orders, social distancing requirements, and the closing of schools and non-essential businesses. Officials also required that all activities drawing crowds of more than 10 people be canceled.
These changes, though necessary to slow the spread of the coronavirus, changed everyday living for millions of people across the country. Many have found themselves working from home, working more extreme hours (essential workers), not having a job, homeschooling their children, and spending a better part of their day at home.
As you can imagine, these changes are taking a physical, financial, social, and emotional toll on everyone. Yet, as life would have it, people have seemingly come to adapt to the current times and have essentially found ways to create a “new normal” during the pandemic.
Here are some growing trends you may need to adapt as your new normal amid the coronavirus outbreak:
Online Learning
Though online learning was already very popular for colleges and universities across the nation, it was not commonplace in all educational systems. Students often used online resources and platforms for more efficient learning but were used to in-person instruction.
Since the coronavirus, however, most school-aged students have been thrust into the world of online education. Though states are starting to relax restrictions, there are some school districts already promoting the idea that they’ll be continuing distant learning through the fall and winter semester.
Remote Working
As the coronavirus pandemic forced many small businesses and brick and mortar locations to close their doors temporarily, many employees have been set up and trained to work remotely. Though a difficult adjustment to make, it’s not crazy to assume that this could be the new normal going forward for many businesses.
Remote workforces are a lot more affordable than having an in-house staff. There’s much less overhead to consider. As it will likely take years for small businesses to get their finances in order, it’s safe to assume that many of them will continue to employ remote teams to conserve costs.
Live Streaming, Video Chat, Watch Parties
Social distancing requirements ask that you remain at least 6ft away from people when in public. This eliminates gathering with friends and family as frequently as you might like. Though a lonely state to be in, many people have been adjusting with the use of live stream.
There have been couples that have live-streamed a pregnancy announcement or tried creative gender reveal ideas like a paintball gun, smoke bomb, or Chinese gender predictors, to share the sex of their unborn child. Students are live-streaming their graduations. You’ll find people meeting up via video chat for lunch and even watch parties being hosted to watch popular movies and television shows in groups.
Though it may not compare to in-person meet-ups, it does help to reduce those feelings of loneliness while still spending time, socializing, and creating memories with those that mean the most to you.
Telemedicine
As many doctors and medical experts put their staff, facilities, and resources to the front lines to help with the coronavirus pandemic, they have limited the types of in-house services they will perform. They’ve instead requested that patients utilize digital platforms to get medical care. By scheduling a virtual appointment, patients can see the doctor, discuss problems or concerns, receive certain diagnosis, obtain a prescription for medication, or be advised whether they should come in for further care.
Telemedicine was already gaining in popularity, but now that patients have had no choice but to utilize such platforms, it is believed this may become the new normal. It’s quick, convenient, safe, and can be done from virtually anywhere saving patients and doctors valuable time.
The coronavirus pandemic may have shaken the country up for a while there, but its citizens are strong and often persevere. Despite the changes, they’ve tapped into their creativity and utilized the platforms available to them to continue living life.
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