Covid-19: New Norms

 

2020, the year of pandemic, the war against the virus, it have given so many twists and turns for a lot of people around the world. Since the lockdowns, CMCO, PKP, and all that guidelines or SOPs implemented to flatten the curve of Covid-19 cases it brought something new to people’s daily lives. The normal is no longer normal as we cannot go back to the way things were because that’s what causes all this at the first place. Generally, the lack of hygiene practice has been the factor around the world especially in this country. Now, new norm is the way. Most of the things must be done in a new norm way to avoid the spread of the virus. Social distancing, changes in lifestyle, washing and sanitize hands regularly, and avoid crowded place. These are the new norms that people have and still need to practice until forever.

Social distancing also known as physical distancing plays major role when it comes to containing the virus. It’s an act of keeping a safe space or distance between one’s self and other people that are not from the same household. No matter the place whether it’s outdoor or indoor, the key is to stay at least 6 feet apart from other people. While doing so, it can prevent the spread of contagious disease because of the reduced number of times people come into close contact with each other. We can see this act being practiced in supermarkets, recreation park, offices, schools, shops, or anywhere groups of people can gather. PKP or CMCO have taught us to social distance by working from home, go out not more than two people in one car, queuing with safe distance, and etc. Since the number of cases have risen tremendously, schools have also been closed to further avoid the virus spread among the children. Practicing social distance or physical distance is highly recommended and encouraged no matter the number of cases because we have seen the flattened curve spiked again when we get sloppy in keeping a safe distance among each other.

Changes in lifestyle is also another new norm practiced among us. Since the virus started to spread, face mask is a must have item for all people. Wearing face mask can help to prevent the spread of the virus infection. Almost everyone will have face mask in their bag or car to use it on the go. Some shops even provide free face mask in case customers forgot to bring their own. Plus, it is a must now to wear mask everywhere outdoor to avoid getting charged by the authorities. Besides face mask, the common practice of shaking hands when meeting people has also changed. Handshakes and hugs are no longer advisable in this new norm era. The least we can do while greeting in this new norm is to put a hand on the chest and bow slightly, a fist bump, or elbow bump is also the new norm as we can see in the sports field. The new norm era have also encouraged people to not go for a night out as entertainment. The entertainment industry such as nightclubs, bars, karaoke, and cinema has been closed during this CMCO period. These daily practices and lifestyle changes is by far the biggest changes to the norms that we have been practicing all the years of living.

Being a Malaysian that lives in a multiracial country that celebrates many different kinds of festive seasons because of our diverse population. But this year, festivals and celebrations are not the same anymore with all the new norms implemented. Avoiding gatherings is a must now as social distancing has taken place as the new norm. During celebrations where relatives and friends comes for a visit, the risk of the guests contracting with the virus is higher. So, the host can only have up to 20 guests in their home for celebration. Not only festive celebration, gatherings such as solemnization and wedding also follows the same guidelines. These rules and regulations does not stop couples from getting married because they just need to follow the rules. A lot of people also agree and fine with these rules saying that it kind of good too as they can save the money spend on wedding ceremony and what not. Hopefully this norm is continued for a long time so there will be less expenses required for marriage.

All in all, it is safe to say that these “new-norms” are implemented and practiced for the greater good since this virus is unfortunately will stay here forever among us. The benefit that it brings to the humanity is bigger than we could possibly imagine. People are now more hygienic, considerate, and attentive towards their surroundings and livelihood. Practicing these new norms will also prepare us and prevent whatever disease that may come. There is no harm in practicing what is good for the future. We just need to keep adapting to the change and current situation in our life from now on. Together we can.