The past year could be described as somewhat of a difficult one, due to a global pandemic taking over our lives. The total change that we have all had to go through has taken a toll on most, with the need to adapt to what many call, “the new normal”. While most of us started to doubt that life could ever go back to the way it was before Covid-19, we were surprised by the announcement Pfizer made in November of last year, that they have developed a vaccine. This came as a surprise to many people, and for the first time since March, when the whole world was in quarantine, people began feeling hopeful again, that this pandemic could finally come to an end, and that we could be finally reunited with friends and family. Of course, there still are many who question what the future holds after the majority of the global population has been vaccinated.
While most experts suggest that we will still have to be cautious for a period of time, as the vaccination process could take a while, they are also optimistic that we will be on the road to getting rid of the pandemic, as the Pfizer vaccine has proven to be 90% effective in preventing severe illness. Unfortunately though, the virus can still be spread and as a result, face masks will be a requirement for the foreseeable future, as we wait for at least 70% of the population to get vaccinated.
For the most part, life in the early stages of vaccination, which we find ourselves in, will look a lot like current life, as the vaccine has still not yet been made widely available to the entire population.
In Romania, for example, we find ourselves currently within the first stage of vaccination, which is predicted to last until March, in which all medical staff and teachers or social workers. After this stage is completed, the second stage will begin, which includes all people who are considered to be at risk, in terms of their health, and those who work in essential domains. Finally in the third and final stage, which is expected to begin in June of this year, the rest of the population will be able to get vaccinated.
According to this data, given by the Romanian government, it seems that life could be back to normal if all goes well and according to plan, in terms of people receiving the vaccine, by sometime between October or December of this year.
Happily, those who do get vaccinated could be looking forward to setting up family gatherings much easier, going on trips without being tested, or attending concerts, if they do plan on going ahead. What we do know about travelling after this pandemic, is that we all might have to have another passport that contains all the necessary vaccinations needed, and will include the Covid-19 vaccine. If someone does not have this vaccine, they will not be allowed to leave the country and travel to any other country, unless they get the vaccine. This is something that is being discussed by all countries around the world, as a method to keep the global population safe.
Fortunately, we do have some elements to look forward to, the opening of schools, restaurants, cinemas, etc. however, we will still need to be cautious and continue to wear a face mask, until at least 70% of the population is vaccinated, and only then will we be able to think about going back to what we consider normal life.