The pandemic is lingering on. People are getting vaccinated, but cases vary in different states. California’s cases are going down, but they are going up in a variety of other states. Still, it is imperative for the economy to reopen. We all need to have the ability to live our lives and go back to work. While the pandemic isn’t going away soon, it’s very important to open businesses. Everyone is excited for certain businesses to return. Here are a few that people will welcome back in the coming months.
Hair Salons
It depends on when you are and how tight the restrictions are, hair salons have been closed in fits and starts. There has been a lot of controversy surrounding this issue. Most notably, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi was caught getting her hair done after the salons in her district were closed. What’s more important than opening salons is returning to the relaxing atmosphere of these businesses. It also depends on where you are, but whether you’re looking for a salon that specializes in blowouts in Los Angeles, styling natural hair in Washington DC, or a cut-and-color in San Antonio, start looking at the social media accounts of your favorite salons. They are opening back up.
Movie Theatres
Nearly everyone is excited to go back to the movies. They’ve been shut down for the obvious reasons. Theatres are dark and musty. Everyone breathes the same air that isn’t circulated well. People are in close proximity. But as we get a hold on the virus and people get vaccinated, more people will feel comfortable enough to go to the movies. We all need this kind of escape in our lives, few will be angry that movie theatres are opening.
Music Venues
One thing that people miss is going to see live music. Venues where live music is held have struggled immensely. This is another thing that people need to relax, let loose, and escape their problems. Music does wonders. It is even a proven form of therapy. Live music is even more impactful than on recording. Volume is powerful and can both physically and mentally change the way we feel about our lives. Live shows will be welcomed back with open arms and music venues can finally dig their way out of their financial holes.
Indoor Dining
Indoor dining has been open in a variety of states during the pandemic and has recently opened back up in California, where the restrictions were some of the most stringent, but it arguably hasn’t fully gone back to what we used to know. Many people are skeptical about dining inside. The atmosphere is different. Tables are separated. People wear masks when not seated, eating, or drinking. In the United States, eating out is a big part of our culture. So many people will be excited to go eat inside without worries and regulations.
Dive Bars
Most of the bars that are getting enough business have outdoor seating. These include beer gardens with patios and other outdoor drinking establishments. While plenty of alcoholics have frequented dive bars regardless, a lot of people have forgone these musty indoor watering holes in favor of outside bars and restaurants. While we all miss cheap drinks and shenanigans, being able to freely walk in a dive bar will return and you’ll remember what you loved and hated about them.
Let’s be honest. The pandemic is far from over. By definition pandemics are a global issue. Few people in the grand scheme of things have been vaccinated. Yet it is imperative for all of us to go back to work and live our lives. The economy is suffering and the impact of lockdowns and regulations are yet to be known.
If we truly want what’s best for ourselves, our society, and the world at large, it is time to start earnestly weighing the pros and cons of how many people will die from the virus and how many people suffer due to the precautions. It isn’t a pretty debate to have, but it’s a conversation that must be had. The fear needs to be lessened and the hysteria needs to stop. With such a provably low death rate for those who contract the virus, we start to ask ourselves—what are we doing here?
