Macroscope | As the UK opens up, other major economies will follow the path to post-pandemic normality
- The Omicron wave is likely to peak soon, and as more people are vaccinated, life might finally be returning to normal, albeit with adjustments
- Most importantly, social restrictions including those on travel will gradually be lifted, with massive positive knock-on effects on economies
With the continued roll-out of vaccinations and the Omicron wave likely to peak before the end of the first quarter, there does seem to be light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. Life might be returning to normal, or at the very least we will learn to live with a disease that is endemic and easier to manage than has been the case for the past two years.
Normalisation in everyday life will mean the gradual removal of restrictions on social activity and travel. This will not happen everywhere at the same time. Countries have imposed differing degrees of restrictions throughout the pandemic but, over time, things will broadly open up. Of course, some things have changed permanently.
In many industries, working from home – at least for some of the working week – is going to be normal. Maintaining and proving vaccination status is also something that is likely to remain a feature of post-pandemic life – just in case.
Yet, we should look forward to travel and holidays, attending outdoor events, and enjoying our cities and all they have to offer. The economic benefits of returning to levels of social activity that existed before March 2020 should be obvious.
