Wow, you're even more optimistic than me
I'm thinking minimum 2-3 months before things get somewhat back to "normal" IF they're able to get the numbers of cases under control for a good 4-6 straight weeks. In the hospitality industry, it will be very gradual. I'm hoping I'll start getting some local Canadian meetings in the hotels by the month of September.
Let's be honest, there's no scientific formula for when restaurants, stores and institutions should be opened and closed. The virus risk will never be reduced to zero and some will get sick no matter when we re-open. The trick is balancing the three pillars: public confidence, medical resources and the economy. You can lean pretty far on either one, but you can't break any.
I think we'll be given a dose of public confidence by May because the threat will be reduced somewhat, and because we'll desperately need it. But relief won't be across the board. Schools probably won't re-open this semester, which, without student swarms, will save us from a major infection hub until September. I'll guess stores are the first to get the green light, obviously, because that's our economic foundation. Hopefully, people are still wary about distance and can shop with caution.
Travel? That's a huge wildcard. No idea, though you'd think the industry -- airlines, hotels, borders -- are coming up with new protocols as we speak. At least temporary ones until public perception sinks back down to its regular complacency.
This is an unprecedented sociology experiment, and I'm guessing that our society can't and won't stay cooped up for months.
But my dad came here on his own and his family is still there.
