b'For months, largeBusinesses have much to decide for their futures. gatherings wereCOVID-19 showed just how efficient employees can not allowed. Therebe working remotely when given the support and tools were limits on theneeded to do their jobs. Remote work is not new, but number of attendeesit was not a practice widely embraced. Through the for events. It is to bepandemic, more and more businesses saw that at least expected people willa portion of the business could be done from a remote remain cautious evenlocation, saving in-office expenses. Workers saved on the after restrictions are lifted.cost of commuting and day care. Cost-cutting is a focus But people miss people. Theyfor all businesses as they seek to improve profit margins. miss crowds, live sports, concerts, family gatherings,Expanding remote working abilities is an obvious way to weddings and playdates. One of the best parts of lifeaccomplish this and is here to stay. is the interactions between people, and these will likely come back, but with mask, social distancing and extraOne of the main complaints about the pandemic has disinfectant remaining for some as the new social norm,been wearing masks. Outside of America and specifically not as a government mandate.in Asia, mask-wearing is common for the sick and those at risk. It is not a political statement. It is the courteous Our teachers have done a great job adapting, but weand safe thing to do. Despite the protests, masks will are sure they would like to go back to teaching studentsremain socially acceptable in America after the pandemic. in classrooms. One-on-one and in-person teaching is the most effective way for students to retain information.The COVID-19 pandemic forced smaller crowds, remote But the flexibility of remote learning will remain as awork, masks, social distancing and handwashing viable education option forever, even when pandemicto prevent the spread of the virus. With society now restrictions are lifted.educated and remaining vigilant, the hope is other communicable diseases like the flu will be reduced with these commonsense measures during flu season even after the threat of the novel coronavirus subsides. Despite the protests, masks will remain socially acceptable in America after the pandemic.25'