A single virus has  brought the whole world on its knees. For more than four months nations and continents have been under a social and economic lockdown. But, now slowly, every economy is trying to open up. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced last week, “this virus will be around for quite some time. And we have to learn to deal and live with it, at least for the coming year.”

So, what does the post Covid world look like?

• Masks and social distancing will be the new norms. We will have to exercise restraint and be a little more responsible  so as not to get infected.
• At least for a few months, travel will be restricted. Only when essential people will travel.
• Countries like Italy, France, Greece which completely depend on tourism are beginning to open up. But tourism will definitely take some time to restart. Domestic travel may start to some extent as people are tired of being locked down.
• Offices will function to just about 30 to 50 per cent capacity. Working from home might also be the new norm. Here, the real estate sector will have to reinvent themselves.
• Reverse migration has happened all across the globe. Indians have come back in huge numbers from across the globe. Within the country, migrants in cities are trying to get back to their villages.
• As industries and real estate begin to open up in non-containment areas, initially there might be shortage of labor.
• A new world order will emerge. With world’s two big economies USA and China exchanging a war of words, a new cold war has begun. Globalisation and liberalisation had opened up the world and the skies. But, it is a battle to survive, so each one has to look after their own nation first.
• People and governments are already questioning the old beliefs. Healthcare and mental health will be new priority. Should we be spending so much of our resources on defence? Instead, why not spend that money on the poor, the needy and the social security.
• There already is a new respect for doctors, nurses, maids and other essential workers. These are our new warriors and they have stood up to the challenge. They have kept us safe, cleaned our cities and build our homes.
• Though, people are consuming content on OTT apps, actors, models have already lost their sheen. People have realised that the real heroes are our ` essential workers.’
• There are great challenges for kids and teenagers. They have to adapt to online learning and many are missing their sports, dance and other extracurricular activities. Teachers and parents are not too sure of what will work in the future.
• Online is the new mantra. Almost, all businesses are shifting online. Events, live gigs and sponsorships have taken a backseat.
• Spirituality is the new mantra. Go within and find your peace. People will discover a new normal. Earlier, it was just going to the mall, going for a holiday, dining out and shopping to keep happy. Now, we need to learn to survive with very little. There will be less demand for consumer things. Minimalism is the order of the day.
• Extravagant marriage ceremonies are a thing of the past. Marriages will be a small affair. With just a few relatives/ friends and norms of social distancing.
• Innovation is the need of the hour. Many industries will have to reinvent themselves. You never know from where the next idea will come from.
• Dependence on imports will reduce. Each country will try to build  critical products at home. We all need to be self sufficient. Many nations were depending on China for many products. Now, there is a anti China wave as many products are believed to be sub-standard.
• Our mega cities are working beyond their capacity. The slums and shanties are bursting out in horror. We need to work in the Tier 3 and Tier 4 towns. can we re-shift some industries.
• Is there a newer path between Capitalism and Socialism? Let us think harder.
• The Indian values of family first, respecting our elders, minimalism, spiritualism and the Karma philosophy will be in great demand. The world has to learn from India.
• But, unfortunately, we also have to realize that the Pandemic has brought our poverty on the streets. Why are migrants so desperate to reach their villages that they have started walking on the streets for hundreds of Kms. Couldn’t the landlords or employers take care of them for even a month?