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While the restrictions can be lifted, life will always be different on the other side of the pandemic.
Many of us are waiting for the day when we no longer need to wear a mask in public and can go to a concert or just kiss our loved ones. And as more and more people are vaccinated against COVID-19, there is growing optimism for a happier and healthier future. But experts warn that life won’t return to normal like the flipping of a switch, and expect many health precautions and restrictions implemented during the pandemic to persist for the foreseeable future. A new national survey of more than 2,000 Americans by the Wexner Medical Center at Ohio State University finds that most agree with maintaining many of these pandemic precautions on behalf of public health, even when the pandemic is over.
New national survey of more than 2,000 Americans by Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center finds most plans to continue many pandemic precautions in the name of public health, even when the pandemic is over .
As more people get vaccinated against COVID-19, there is growing optimism for a happier and healthier future. But experts warn that life won’t return to normal right away, and people should expect many of the health precautions and restrictions implemented during the pandemic to persist for the foreseeable future.
“While the progress we are making towards recovery is exciting, it is critical not to lighten the precautions that we know have worked so far,” said Dr Iahn Gonsenhauser, Head of Quality and Compliance. patient safety at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center. “Masks and physical distance are still our best weapons in limiting the spread and, now that we have a vaccine, will make these precautions even more effective and reduce new cases if we stay the course.”
The survey found that nearly three-quarters (72%) of Americans plan to continue wearing masks in public, four in five (80%) will always avoid crowds, and 90% plan to continue to wash their hands frequently and to use disinfectants after COVID-19. Gonsenhauser says it is encouraging that people are ready to continue these practices and that this year’s flu season is proof of their effectiveness.
“The flu cases and hospitalizations are down compared to the last few years. This is probably because precautions such as masking, physical distancing and hand hygiene help prevent influenza, ”Gonsenhauser said. “I think a lot of people are realizing that what we have learned from COVID-19 can be applied more generally to keep our population healthy.”
After nearly a year of living in a world radically changed by the pandemic, continuing these practices can alleviate the anxiety of returning to public spaces. Wearing a mask, for example, can give a sense of control and comfort to those with lingering fears of a pandemic.
Experts are also predicting that some aspects of society will never return to pre-pandemic norms, and that’s not bad at all. Work-from-home options are likely to remain present in many industries, and the convenience of seeing your doctor virtually during a telehealth visit is likely to continue and even expand in the future.
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