When pondering the question of what a post-coronavirus world will look like, it is essential to clearly distinguish the current age of COVID-19 from the aftermath it will leave when the virus finally burns itself out.
For practical purposes, let’s hypothetically say that the two phases are separated by the development and application of vaccines. In the age of COVID-19, the basic prevention mode has been to shelter in place. But that has its limitations, primarily for economic reasons. So the sensible thing to do is embrace a “new normal” way of life so long as infection rates are tamped down.
In Japan, as in other countries, the new way of life involves such measures as wearing masks, practicing social distancing, taking temperature measurements, washing hands and disinfecting our homes and places of business, as well as equipment. If infection rates surge once again, as they have in Europe, society must revert back to sheltering in place. In short, in the era of COVID-19, there are no other choices but to adapt, change social patterns and adjust to the new normal.