What New Normal is Starting to Look Like

We knew that getting back to normal after the pandemic, when we do get back to normal, could likely be different than the old normal.

And we’re already seeing it. With the decision this week by the San Diego City Council to extend until July of 2022 what was a temporary change during 2020 to allow restaurants to serve customers on sidewalks, city streets and in parking lots, it looks like expanded outdoor dining is here to stay. And why not? It makes sense of course in a place like San Diego and it makes sense to help restaurants recover and maybe reopen ones that were closed because of the pandemic.

And there are other signs that normal will be different. The congested traffic that was getting worse and worse before the coronavirus came along, is not as bad as it was and may never be with lots of companies being okay with some of their employees likely to work at home on a few or more days.

And then there are signs that a lot of retailers will continue drive through pick up of purchased items to make it more convenient for their customers, just like the fast-food industry learned decades ago.

Yes, it looks like the pandemic that began in the year 2020 may leave behind a new kind of normal for many years ahead.

(Photo Getty Images)