What life after lockdown might look like?
What life after lockdown might look like?
As some countries begin to reopen parts of the economy amidst the Coronavirus pandemic, CNBC’s Uptin Saiidi is in Hong Kong to look at how the new normal may include regular temperature checks, fewer seats in restaurants, and more remote work arrangements.
Here are some changes we are likely to see. from restaurants to gyms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention gave guidelines for reopening for reopening the nation phase by phase (PDF), including interim suggestions for restaurants and schools. There are other measures we might continue to see in many countries around the world.
Face masks everywhere
The CDC's guidelines for reopening America also stipulate mask-wearing for teachers in schools, employees in factories, businesses and mass transit. It's likely that some municipalities and agencies will encourage the practice, even if they don't bar you from entering.
Restaurants and bars: Limited hours, service, capacity
- Those that allow dine-in customers may place patrons 6 feet apart (2 meters in some countries). Restrict capacity in order to uphold social distancing.
- Menus might be disposable, or disinfected after each use.
- Servers could also wear plastic gloves.
- It's possible we'll see a limited number of seated orders, with tables and chairs sanitized.
- Limited hours are probable.
Shopping malls
- Single-use items like shopping bags and coffee cups will be used exclusively
- Shoppers and employees might be encouraged to wear face masks.
- Store hours might be limited, closing early so cleaners can rigorously disinfect common areas and bathrooms.
- Every other urinal might be off-limits to encourage social distancing
- Protocols in place if employees get sick.
- You may have to line up outside a shop to go into a crowded shop
- There might be rules about touching items or trying on clothes.
Grocery stores, hair salons, movie theaters
- The number of customers allowed in at the same time could be based on the size of the retail space.
- Hygiene precautions could also be put in place like sanitizers, and face masks or coverings.
- Senior hours -- giving people over 65 the opportunity to shop before the general population.
Schools and universities
- Temperature checks, distance seating and rules about how often to wash hands and how many children can play together at once.
- Some municipalities are exploring the potential to stagger student meals and schedules.
- Distance courses can be normal.
Beaches, hiking and nature trails
Social distancing practices, limited hours and limited gatherings would be in place.
Concerts, sports, amusement parks and other major events
- Distancing and hygiene guidelines are enforced.
- Major gatherings worldwide continue to be canceled.
- Amusement parks and music festivals might remain closed, canceled or postponed until further notice.
- Matches might happen in stadiums without live fans.
Lockdown could happen again
One continuous refrain from public health officials is that reopening economic and social life too soon could trigger a resurgence in coronavirus cases and deaths related to the COVID-19 disease.