The COVID-19 pandemic that has been a constant fight since early into the year has been raising the question of what will happen to society, and societal norms in the future. It has already caused mandatory masks mandates, enforced social distancing, social and economic shutdown, and it has closed schools. Since then, schools have reopened with enforced social distancing and masks are mandatory at all times while on campus. Some people have been asking the question of the duration of time we will be wearing masks. 

 Anthony Fauci, MD, Director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases has stated several times he believes masks will need to be worn through 2021 and social distancing will be enforced well into 2022, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.  

Social distancing and wearing masks are minor issues when it comes to the grand scheme of things, through the COVID-19 pandemic the economic status of the United States has dropped in response to the national shutdowns. People have lost homes, jobs, and even small businesses.

Outside of financial stability, another large concern is mental health. The CDC has stated that during the National quarantine earlier this year that depression has spiked to new heights. “Overall, 40.9% of respondents reported at least one adverse mental behavioral health condition, including anxiety disorder and depressive disorder.”

The education system also has seen extreme conditions that have both positive and negative views. Earlier this year, schools were forced to shut down because of the virus causing the system to adapt to an online learning environment. For students like Junior, Skyler Baczynski online was more difficult for him than regular school. “ Online was impossible for me to stay focused and learn like usual, the distractions of home along with missing out on the social aspect of school made the experience near impossible” said Skyler.

Although some may have had a difficult time, there were also people who found that online school was a better option for them. Junior Divina Gustafson “I surprisingly enjoyed the online setting, I was able to find a way to balance both school and work. I also found it easier. If I missed a day I could just check the lesson on google classroom and understand the material hassle free.”

Things may be difficult for some and easier for others. But what remains is the desire the nation holds to make it through these trying times, finding life in the little things and new ways of learning through the virus together.