Many states are beginning to slowly ease back on restrictions and business closures they imposed as a result of the coronavirus and pandemic mitigation efforts.  Here in Maryland, we’ve just entered the beginning of “Phase Two” of the economic “reopening” plan, which allows most retail locations, restaurants, and other businesses to resume operations (albeit with several caveats and restrictions).    As the recent lock-downs as a result of COVID-19 start to expire, what exactly does that mean for our future experiences in travel, dining, and shopping?

Does This Mean That the Pandemic is Over?

Uhhh, no – not by a long shot.  The virus is still out there and (very) active.  There are still no hopes for a vaccine until at least early 2021.  Transmission rules still apply (close contact, large groups, etc.) and while the warm weather means more people can be outside, it doesn’t change the fact that a single (and asymptomatic) carrier can still infect dozens of people.  Social distancing and other precautions should still be taken.

What About Facemasks?

The age of the facemask being in widespread use (as is done in most Asian cultures) is here to stay.  While the full effectiveness of wearing a facemask can be debated, there is no doubt that if you are sick (or think you are sick), wearing a covering over your nose and mouth can definitely inhibit the free transmission of germs, mucus, and other particulates.  While wearing a facemask in public venues may eventually be a choice, it’s certainly not a bad one (out of common courtesy and hygiene practices).  Once restrictions are eventually lifted, my advice would be if you feel comfortable with a mask – wear one (especially in an enclosed space).

Restaurants are Reopening!  What Does That Mean?

While the “green light” was recently given for the reopening of most restaurants (at least in my state), there are still some very tangible differences.  There is still no indoor seating allowed, and outdoor seating will still be influenced by social distancing rules, overall capacity limits, party-size restrictions, and other considerations (like disposable cutlery, plates, and menus).  No matter where you dine out, be prepared for a very different experience – at least for a while.

What About Retail?

This may be one of the biggest changes in our “return to normalcy”.  Brick and mortar stores were already struggling (with the ease and speed of online shopping and delivery), and the retail closures only exasperated this condition.  You’ve seen the headlines – many big names in the retail world are going under and won’t be coming back, so be prepared to shop elsewhere if your favorites don’t make it.  Also, bigger shopping venues (like malls) are going to be one of the last things that are allowed to reopen (due to potential crowds).  Don’t be surprised if the era of the enclosed shopping mall is over.

How Will Travel be Affected?

Obviously, an already complicated airline travel process has just added another layer of complexity, frustration, and anxiety.  Sure, airlines are teasing low fares, but I’m not sure if a $69 fare to Milwaukee is worth the extra hassle to get there by plane.  Airline travel is going to be reeling for years to come, and hotels are going to see low occupancy rates (even in the busy summer season).  If I owned a rental property at the beach and relied on summer revenue to get me through the off-season, my stress level would be off of the charts right now.  I’m also not sure if the cruise line industry will ever recover.  Those mega-ships may go the way of the Dodo.

What About Other Forms of Entertainment?

Will we ever go out to a movie again?  Well, AMC Theatres has already publically stated that they don’t think they will continue to exist once this is all over.  Not only are they currently not allowed to operate, but again, packing a theatre full of patrons when one may be carrying a virus may have people second-guessing a “move night” out for decades.  Who knows?  The old drive-in movie experience may stage a major comeback.  Theme parks and sports events will also have to undergo radical retooling in order to survive.  It will be a long time before a big, indoor arena concert is held.  Any activity or gathering where large groups congregate will be off the table (or significantly throttled back – attendance wise) for some time.

Even though there are signs of life in the economy, just because things are being allowed to reopen doesn’t mean people are going to flock back to them at pre-virus levels. 

Buckle up kids – 2020 is just beginning to get rough.