The last time I engaged in a potentially life-altering activity was in Cabo St. Lucas, Mexico.
I had joined a few colleagues to ride a series of ziplines. Everything seemed fine until I had to sign a waiver form. One line stood out. It read: The “Activity” can be HAZARDOUS AND INVOLVES THE RISK OF PHYSICAL INJURY AND/OR DEATH.
That was a few years ago.
Today, as I walk into a grocery store, I feel the same way. This activity can be hazardous. There is just no waiver form to sign.
COVID-19 has blindsided us.
There is no historical precedent to determine the scale and scope of the virus. The risk of potential recurrence is still unknown. The economic fallout has been devastating.
However, there is a silver lining. The spread of the virus appears to have been contained. Quarantines and lockdowns are on their way out.
It’s time to make post-lockdown choices.
The local authorities will only tell you what not to do. As for what you should do, you are on your own. If your decisions often feel like a coin toss, I am with you.
Here are ten questions to get you thinking about your post-lockdown choices.
Go to the office or telework?
If you have always had a flexible working arrangement with your company, it may be business as usual for you. If working from home is a temporary arrangement, you may have to plan your transition back to the office.
Many companies are giving employees the option to choose between being in the office and teleworking. Which way would you lean if you had the option?
Hit the gym or workout at home?
The lockdown may have changed the fitness industry forever.
Peleton and other fitness equipment companies have leveraged technology to motivate people to exercise at home. If you hold a membership at a health club, you will have to decide whether you are ready to go back. Group activities such as yoga and spinning may be the draw for you to go back.
For me, workout translates to Tennis and squash. Tennis would be the safer one of the two. I plan to be out on the tennis court the first chance I get.
Will you patronize restaurants and bars?
As one of the hardest-hit sectors of the society, the local bars and restaurants can probably use all the support that they can get.
Are you amenable to dining out in restaurants and bars that implement social distancing formats?
Are you up for post-lockdown air travel?
This one is tough.
Being stuck onboard an airline with a bunch of strangers does not have a lot of appeal at this time. With no coronavirus vaccine in sight, delaying non-essential travel may be the prudent choice. However, this may be a good time to lock in some flexible deals being offered by the carriers.
If you would rather play it safe, Airbnb’s Virtual Experiences may be worth a try. They appear to be inexpensive, entertaining, and binge-worthy.
Hotel or Airbnb?
If you leverage loyalty programs for accommodations, a hotel may be your default option. Post-lockdown travel will require cancellation flexibility, cleanliness, and low-contact interactions.
Hotel chains and Airbnb have come out with new cleaning standards and booking rules. While the larger hotels have the resources to implement new standards, they also have to deal with more customers by way of room occupancy, restaurants, and conventions.
If you are contemplating travel in the near future, you may want to check out this Business Insider article titled Are Airbnbs safe?
Will you attend sporting events?
With most major sports leagues planning matches in empty stadiums, this is a decision that you can likely defer. I am in no hurry to buy tickets to large sporting events.
The Oracle NetSuite Open Squash Championships in San Francisco is one sporting event that I would like to attend this fall if things go as planned.
Are you planning a house party?
If you are dying to meet up with friends and family to share all the lockdown news and stories, you will have to decide if the time is right to do it. Your being ready does not mean that your invitees would want to attend.
You may have to play this one by ear.
Take public transport or drive?
If you live in a suburb of a big city, you probably end up driving everywhere. However, if you live in a metro area, you probably depend on the public transportation system to get you around.
It will be a shame if COVID-19 related safety concerns drive people into purchasing cars.
Would you avoid the malls and shop online?
It’s likely that you are already doing most of your shopping online. Often, a trip to the mall is more than just shopping. Do you think your post-lockdown choices would include shopping malls?
Would you continue to wear a mask and gloves in public places?
If you have gotten used to the idea of wearing a mask and latex gloves, I envy you. There is no denying it, disposable masks and latex gloves are here to stay. People walking around looking like astronauts will no longer merit a second glance.
Post-lockdown choices are yours to make. You got to do whatever works for you.
The way I see it, you live and let live.
