Is this the new norm?

Or some variation of it? Many people have found ways to work from home, and many businesses have or are in the process of adapting to current priority needs. Families are spending

more time together, and enjoying meals together has become a more frequent activity for a large percentage of the population. Pollution overall has decreased in marked ways, and indigenous plants and animals are thriving. Masks are becoming a normal accessory, and typical routines have changed for us all. Perhaps if this were the new norm, or some parts of it, some of the good things that have resulted from shelter in place rules can be maintained. Isn't that the question we should be asking right now...what are the positive outcomes of shelter in place rules and can we replicate those after the pandemic has stabilized?

Absolutely, there are many professions that need to have close contact with others and need to return to work, and certainly should when the threat is reduced, but many people have had to learn how to work from home during this crisis. Do each and every one of them have to go back to a work place five or more days per week? Can't we maintain some of the work from home options? This helps to mitigate the pollution that will inevitably increase, and it helps to support positive family relationships with increased time at home. Maybe we have to consider the continued increase in technology usage to meet a lot of face to face needs. Many interviews and consultations could remain primarily electronic. Furthermore, there are some students who, it will be found I expect, benefited and even thrived in the online environment. Some elements to which we have adjusted during the shelter in place rules, need to be considered for longevity after the threat has been neutralized.

Not that I want for us all to become hermits and have no relationships outside the household; that is not my intent. That is not only unrealistic and impractical, but it's not in the best interest of individuals or the society at large. I only ask, is there a better balance that we can achieve between the amount and type of interactions we have and our better well being? Maybe there is...