Cases: 13,372,011; Deaths: 587,782
Ireland Cases: 25,683; Deaths: 1,748
Here in Ireland the first wave of Covid infections has been subdued. The talk now is of reopening, economic costs and attendant risks. Just yesterday, the planned reopening of pubs set for July 20th was pushed back to August 10th due to an uptick in the number of infections.
It feels like we have entered a new phase. I want to call it the ‘long war’ but hesitate as this new phase in time might be seen as the ‘opening part 2’. The long middle phase may be further down the tracks. This might go on for a very long time yet. What we think is a significant milestone on the hike may turn out to be a forgettable foothill.
The social parameters that govern the new normal are a contentious subject as the draconian but simple and consistent rules of lockdown are replaced with the ‘but-ocracy’ of restoring daily activities but with restrictions.