how coronavirus will change the world

15 predictions on how the world will change forever once coronavirus is over

Predictions on how coronavirus will change the world forever have been circulating on the internet for days. Will people start wearing masks to restaurants? Will there be a baby boom?

Here's a round-up of predictions on what will happen once the coronavirus pandemic has ended, based on surveys, studies and early modelling in other countries.

More people will work from home

Oh, hello, Zoom, our new best friend. With seven times the amount of Canadians working from home these days, businesses are beginning to realize that virtual meetings are sometimes easier to organize. Plus, you can wear pyjama bottoms.

Restaurants will get a makeover

Hong Kong is already limiting restaurant seating, taking each diner's temperatures at the door, and requiring face masks to be worn by servers. Expect tables to be farther apart and less seating overall.

Goodbye, handshakes

According to American top doctor Dr. Anthony Fauci, the world "may never shake hands again."

The custom — which dates back thousands of years — is believed to have originated as a way to demonstrate that you're not holding a weapon. However, considering that most people aren't walking around with swords stuffed under their shirts, Fauci may be right; it's time to let it go.

There will be more infectious disease research

With COVID-19 wreaking havoc on human lives and the global economy, containing future infectious diseases will be the world's top priority.

With Bill Gates pledging $250 million toward fighting coronavirus, it wouldn't be surprising if foundations and governments teamed up to fund more disease research, too. After all, having a vaccine in place for future outbreaks could save businesses trillions of dollars.

Staycations will replace international travel

Travelers will no longer want to risk an extended cruise; instead, Canadians will follow Dr. Theresa Tam's advice to take a "staycation for the nation" and opt to travel in Canada instead.

With underwater cities and ice hotels, what's not to love?

Healthcare officials become the new celebrities

Canada's provincial health officers will take on influencer status; after all, Dr. Bonnie Henry already has a designer shoe named after her, while Dr. Deena Hinshaw's periodic table dress caused a flurry of sales.

The world will become greener

Satellite data shows that air pollution has already dropped in several major Canadian cities. With people currently enjoying cleaner air, governments might consider restricting vehicle travel and factory pollution in future.

Masks will become a regular fashion accessory

With Canadian designers releasing fashionable masks to wear throughout the pandemic, there's a chance that the fashion could stick in North America.

Fast-fashion will also likely take a hit as large scale factories are forced to dial down production, being replaced instead by more sustainable practices.

The world will become even more connected

Canadian researchers are already working with leading scientists around the world on drug trials to beat the coronavirus.

If there's a silver lining to the pandemic, it's that — for the first time — the virus has united us all against a common enemy. Hopefully, that spirit of global cooperation will last.

Venues will become more intimate

With virtual concerts becoming all the rage, it seems unlikely that there will be a rush to return to massive venues — especially if there's a risk of the virus resurging. Instead, bands will choose to perform in venues with 50 people or less.

Virtual love will become the new norm

Dating apps are experiencing a surge in activity throughout the pandemic; some people are even taking to Twitter to share their quarantine love stories.

With many dating apps introducing a video chat feature, more and more people will begin to turn to Bumble and Tinder to find love rather than bars, gyms or cafes.

There will be a surge in creativity

Considering that most movies and TV shows have suspended filming, there might be a weird period of time when the entertainment industry is at a standstill.

However, playwrights, songwriters and artists have been using their time in isolation to come up with new material — so we'll be blessed with a surge of new material eventually.

Divorce rate could spike

Register offices across China reported a spike in divorce cases after couples were forced to quarantine together during the pandemic; it turns out that distance truly does make the heart grow fonder.

While some people are predicting a "coronials" baby boom after quarantine, American health experts say that's unlikely.

Everyone will be sourdough bread experts

With thousands of Canadians searching for sourdough bread recipes online, we'll all emerge as sourdough connoisseurs — or develop gluten intolerances trying.

Corona beer will get a re-brand

With an unbelievable amount of Canadians searching "corona beer virus" on Google, it seems inevitable that the company will be forced to change its name.

Lead photo by

Hector Vasquez


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