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Showing posts from April, 2020

Social distancing: The new normal?

             We live in unusual times that have called for unusual measures to deal with the spread of COVID-19. The spread of the virus and the number of lives being lost has precipitated such measures. The unknown factors about the virus and the small window of time to implement mitigation have also pressured leaders to act quickly and implement radical measures like social distancing. The goal of such measures is a noble one that everyone agrees with– we must save lives.             I have no problem with our immediate desire to slow the spread of this deadly virus and minimize the fatalities. That certainly is understandable. But I do have a serious concern about the potential long term effects our current mitigation efforts may have if embraced as normative after the pandemic is over. After a vaccine is in use and the pandemic has ended, will people relate to each other again with a handshake or a high five? Will friends see each other and embrace with a hug as before? Will ex