How Canada will change when the coronavirus ends

Will there be a baby boom? Will masks become an everyday accessory? We explore 15 predictions about what will happen to the country after the coronavirus pandemic ends.

More people will work from home

Hello, Zoom, our new best friend. Now that seven times more Canadians are working from home, businesses are starting to realize that virtual meetings can be easier to organize. Plus, you can work in your pajamas.

Restaurant service will change

Hong Kong is already limiting the number of seats in restaurants, checking each customer's temperature, and requiring waiters to wear protective masks. Expect tables to be spaced further apart and fewer seats available.

Goodbye, handshakes

According to American doctor Anthony Fauci, people will stop shaking hands forever.

This thousand-year-old custom is believed to have originated as a way to show that you don't have weapons. However, given that most people don't walk around with swords hidden under their shirts, Fauci might be right; it's time to say goodbye to this tradition.

There will be more research on infectious diseases

As COVID-19 damages people and the global economy, fighting infectious diseases will become a top priority worldwide in the future.

Bill Gates has pledged $250 million to fight coronavirus. It wouldn't be surprising if foundations and governments join forces to fund more research on various diseases. After all, having a vaccine could save businesses trillions of dollars.

Domestic tourism will replace international travel

Travelers will no longer want to risk long journeys; instead, Canadians will follow the advice of Chief Public Health Officer Theresa Tam and take a trip within the country. Why not, when Canada has so many amazing places!

Health officials will become new celebrities

Canadian health officials will gain influencer status; after all, there's already designer footwear named after Dr. Bonnie Henry (British Columbia's health minister), while Dr. Deena Hinshaw's (Alberta's health minister) periodic table print dress has become so popular that copies are selling like hotcakes.

The world will become greener

Satellite data shows that air pollution has already decreased in several major Canadian cities. As people are now enjoying cleaner air, governments may consider limiting vehicle travel and environmental pollution in the future.

Masks will become a fashion accessory

Canadian designers are already producing stylish masks to wear during the pandemic. This trend might stick around in North America.

Fast fashion is also likely to become a thing of the past as large factories are forced to cut production. Sustainable fashion will take its place.

The world will become even more connected

Canadian researchers are already working with leading scientists from around the world on drug trials to fight coronavirus.

If there's a positive side to the pandemic, it's that the virus has united us all against a common enemy. Hopefully, the spirit of global cooperation will continue.

Public events will transform

Virtual concerts are becoming increasingly popular, and it's unlikely that musicians will rush back to large venues, especially if there's a risk of the virus resurfacing. Instead, bands will prefer to perform at venues with 50 people or fewer.

Virtual love will become the new normal

Dating apps are experiencing a surge in activity during the pandemic; some people are even sharing their quarantine love stories on Twitter.

More and more people are turning to Bumble and Tinder to find love through video chats rather than in bars, gyms, or cafes.

A surge in creativity

Given that most movies and TV shows have suspended filming, the entertainment industry is practically at a standstill today.

However, playwrights, songwriters, and artists are using their isolation time to come up with new material — so we'll eventually have a lot of interesting content.

Divorce rates may spike

China has seen a noticeable increase in divorces due to forced quarantine during the pandemic. It turns out that distance really does make hearts grow fonder.

While some people predict a baby boom after quarantine, American health experts say it's very unlikely. But think twice before getting divorced. In Canada, it's an expensive affair.