How do we make our way forward in this new reality?

Partisan politics aside, it is a discussion we need to have. I’m certainly glad to be in the SF Bay Area right now. Between Mayor Breed and Governor Newsom, and a citizenship that is aware enough to take this threat seriously, we have been spared the worst case scenario so far. But we do need to look at what we can do to keep the economy going and figuring out how to live a reasonably sane and productive life for the next 2 years or so, and to do so in such a way that we have a functioning economy by the time we develop a vaccine and herd immunity. 

It seems like we will need to learn a new way to live. One where high fives and hand shakes are truly intimate and only happen between family and our very closest friends who we see routinely anyway. Masks will become common place. Not wearing a mask in a public venue will be considered rude and inconsiderate behavior. Things we took for granted, like eating out in a restaurant or attending a social or sporting event will be much different. Nobody knows exactly how yet, either which makes this all the more unsettling. 

But we will figure it out. Some things we took for granted will fall by the wayside. But they will be replaced by other things. This may be our chance to re-think what it means to live in the 21st Century. We have a chance to re-set our priorities. I know I look at health care workers, first responders, store clerks, and yes, even the people who restock our shelves and clean up in hospitals and such with a newfound sense of respect and appreciation. Maybe we can figure out how to treat them a bit more fairly. 

Are the things we have had to endure and will continue to endure worth it? 50,000 US deaths (as of today) makes me say yes. It could have been much worse and it could have also been much better. Let us hope California and the Bay Area continues to lead the way as we make our way forward into a different future.