During the COVID-19, the phrase “new normal” became somewhat of a meme, but as countries started lifting the restrictions it became clear that people are not ready for the new normal, we are longing for the way it was before.
Last week I’ve traveled from Riga to London and back. Both of the countries recently have lifted all the COVID-19 restrictions, so it felt like the recent pandemic never happened. You don’t have to wear a mask in neither of the airports and what is most important – in the plane. Mostly gone are the days of ordering something, so you could take off the mask without people judging. You could just take a book and enjoy.
I was flying two different airlines there and back. In one of them, COVID-19 was not even mentioned and all the employees were not wearing masks. In the second, they encouraged wearing a mask during the flight and all the employees were wearing one.
In London itself, it is back to normal as well. You don’t have to wear a mask indoors, and swarms of people are in all the usual places. I thought I would have anxiety. Although, I am ready to get back to the way it was, but after 2 years, you just can’t help but adjust to the new way. But I was very comfortable with all the people around me.
Some things did change. For example, in the hotel, before going into the elevator I would ask if a person who was already there doesn’t mind, and I wouldn’t judge someone if they’ve said they weren’t comfortable.
Do I think COVID-19 is over? Of course not. People still are getting ill, but in most cases it appears to be mild, without long effects and many people have some sort of protection, be it from vaccines, recovering from COVID-19 or as in my case – from both. I am glad we are getting back to normal, it feels great.