Change has become the new normal during a widespread pandemic. The stress and limitations the pandemic has on civilization means institutions need to change their way of operating. With the nation rocking on its heels from COVID-19, it is not uncommon to wonder if this is the new normal.
There has certainly been an impact in the educational system as teachers and schools scrambled to accommodate new guidelines. These guidelines meant changing the learning system for diverse and differently-abled students, at all levels, throughout the nation. Higher education has seen quite the migration of programs and degrees to virtual platforms. There are occupational therapy masters programs now online. These were never previously available to such a high degree. The move to online learning made families reevaluate their daily school day expectations.
Another heavily impacted institution is, very obviously, the healthcare field. The alterations to hospital and clinics' state of affairs have been drastic. From everyday employee dress requirements to the handling of medical students, right through to operating environments. Many smaller rural hospitals were (and still are) unequipped for such a widespread health epidemic. Additionally larger hospitals have been made to expand operating resources. This includes things like changing parking garages into additional treatment spaces. Doctors now make regular use of teleconferencing and video conferencing for family medicine and everyday healthcare needs. Even organizations like the Red Cross have acclimated to the new standards introduced by the pandemic.
Government services have seen quite the transformation in operating procedures as well. Many departments have reduced operating hours to protect both citizens and employees. Numerous state agencies like the transportation department have utilized online services. These often include automated chatbot services, to help maintain an organized, effective way to serve the public. The application of remote work for many government employees has led to a smaller number of in-person interactions. From small offices of the local government to the IRS, there has been an endeavor to keep services safe, accessible, and timely.
Prisoners and guards have seen quite the revamping of their regular schedules within the penal system. Courthouses have widely suspended jury trials to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Additionally many hearings have been exploring virtual options. Prisoner recreational and visitation schedules have seen modification to ensure social distancing guidelines are being followed. Plus shock incarcerations have seen a decrease to keep jail populations lower.
Corporations, and even the economy as a whole, have been forced to reevaluate their situation to deal with the pandemic. The rate at which consumers pay back into the economy has been a dynamic process with stimulus checks unemployment rates seeing record highs. Businesses have been keep customers happy and healthy by restructuring in creative ways to try and maintain a profit. Large corporations have seen the most benefit from the nation's current circumstances. This is due to small businesses, unable to handle the loss of consumer traffic, begin to fail. With that affiliate marketing makes a home in the discontinuity.
There have been extensive changes in the day-to-day happenings of America since the pandemic began. Still, with so many of these pertinent industries being forced into change, it leaves the future wide open. There are now many opportunities in education, healthcare, government, prisons, and corporate America. Additionally, it leaves many questions about how business as usual should look going forward.
