For a long time we thought we could never again give each other a casual hug, go to a busy festival or sit down at the table with the whole family. The coronavirus and all the restrictions that came with it seemed like the new normal. On Thursday, the OMT issued an advice that we can stop testing. “The coronavirus is part of it,” they said. And we also say goodbye to new corona habits just as easily, experts predict.
“Testing for corona is no longer necessary. The virus is simply part of everyday life.” This is what the Outbreak Management Team (OMT) advised the cabinet on Thursday. The virus no longer controls our lives.
That was different for a long time when ‘the new normal’ prevailed and there were fears that we would have to keep our distance forever. Habits such as washing hands continuously, tapping each other’s elbows or boxing, took some getting used to for many people.
“Boxing and elbows will disappear.”
Conversely, it quickly feels normal again, according to behaviorist Dr. Leo Ligthart. “Some people still box, but kissing is in our system because it’s a social norm. The boxing and elbows will eventually go away.”
Sociologist Dr. Tim Reeskens of Tilburg University and other researchers wrote a book about the consequences of the pandemic. He also saw new habits that we just as gladly said goodbye to after the crisis. “During the corona crisis, more men performed household tasks. That division of roles has been straightened out after the pandemic.”
“More aware of our health.”
Yet there are also things we learned during the crisis. “We are more aware of health risks, which makes us more alert. That can be positive to prevent outbreaks of other communicable diseases,” says Ligthart.
We are not only more aware of our health, but also of our behaviour, Reeskens thinks. “The most important thing we learned is that together we can prevent more deaths if we control our behavior. Not everyone was equally obedient, but for a next pandemic it is useful to know that our behavior does have an impact. “
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