Dear Editor,

The New Normal 鈥搘hat will it be?

As I write this in late January in the midst of the uncertainty about COVID vaccine deliveries and a flattening but not declining incidence of infection, I wonder what 2021 will bring.

When will we get back to enjoying life as we knew it 鈥渂ack then?鈥�

Everyone is concerned, especially those of us over 70.

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Uncertainty is the norm as no one let alone the politicos has a clue as to what tomorrow will bring.

The feds have sealed our borders, limiting flights into Canada, travel to the U.S. and even closing the Caribbean to travel. I guess that means my frequent flyer points will continue to accumulate in spite of a desire to get out of town.

We can鈥檛 go to church or have a strata meeting.

Everyone is told to stay home.

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No birthday or anniversary parties and even no funerals.

Stores are closing permanently and the mall seems empty 鈥� because it is.

Retailers can鈥檛 get inventory as shipments from China have been reduced. Perhaps in the long term that could turn out to be a blessing. Maybe Canadians will start making things once again. Come to think of it, making vaccines would be good.

Fear is everywhere.

People are wearing masks in malls and stores, and even when outside or in their car and alone.

It is difficult to read someone鈥檚 expression through a mask. Some are even wearing two masks based on the theory that if one is good, two must be twice as good.

READ MORE: Canada鈥檚 death toll from COVID-19 surpasses 20,000

TV programs are buying into this as well, with the characters wearing masks and making it hard to understand what they are muttering about 鈥� especially if you are a bit 鈥渉earing impaired.鈥�

Virtual meetings are the current reality and the only option but they really don鈥檛 provide a good substitute for the real thing.

Will the vaccine bring relief from all of this?

If we are to believe that, then we also have to believe that another summer is lost as it won鈥檛 be till fall that all have received their shots.

I don鈥檛 have the answers, just more questions.

Mike Davenport, 91原创 City

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