Type “what will happen in 2021…’ into Google, and enjoy the autofills! About three down, we get ‘what will happen in 2021 prepare yourself’, closely followed by ‘what will happen in 2021 to the economy’, and (a personal favourite) ‘what will happen in 2021 zombie apocalypse’!
Given that Google uses a predictive algorithm based on popular searches, clearly we’re worried. And probably with good reason – of all the tools we have to predict the future (astrology, palm reading, and Nostradamus to name a few of the wackier!) our best bet is history itself. And the past 12 months have been so dire for so many, it’s no wonder we’re concerned about what’s to come!
You’ll have already seen the posts across social media anticipating a new start in 2021 – a brave new world in which everything will, somehow, go back to normal at the stroke of midnight on January 31, 2020. It’s a lovely idea, but – given the corona pandemic – extremely unlikely. “The pandemic is not just going to stop because it’s December 31 and then January 1,” says Susan Hassig, an associate professor in epidemiology at Tulane University. “Everything is conditional on so many factors. 2021 could be worse, quite honestly.”
Hand-washing, masks and social distancing may be here to stay, suggest many experts. Global media organisation Fortune.com predicts that virtual doctors’ visits will increase, face masks will be worn on New Year’s Eve 2021 and the behaviours we’ve learned during lockdown will become the norm. But they also suggest that the widespread availability of a vaccine will lead to the second summer of love, with people making up for lost time by taking every excuse to cavort, Woodstock style, at huge outdoor fiestas.
“There’s a difference between what we think will happen and what we hope will happen in 2021,” proposes Paphos-based retiree, Rod Shearman. “Probably, much will stay the same: we’ll still be wearing masks long into summer, and social distancing will stay the norm. But the hope is that a vaccine will change everything, and we’ll be back to a more normal existence before very long: taking the kids and grandkids on play dates, eating out at restaurants and enjoying a good round of bridge in person!”
The release of the Pfizer vaccine has brought hope to many. “When safe and effective, vaccines can be used to protect those who are vulnerable and have the highest risk of complications from the infection,” says Harvard-educated Dr Elpidoforos Soteriades, associate professor of epidemiology and public health at the Open University of Cyprus. Speaking to Elias Hazou in the Cyprus Mail, he suggests that “no matter how many tests we perform, the virus will keep spreading. What we see happening now is the beginning of the seasonal outbreak that will continue increasing during the following months.”
Dr Soteriades does, however, have more cheerful information for those who have already suffered and survived the virus: “The issue of re-infection is an extremely rare event as reported in the literature. In fact, it’s so rare that it cannot even be evaluated with medical statistics.”
Good news, then, for those who are vulnerable and awaiting the vaccine, or who have already suffered through Covid-19. And in the meantime, we’ll just have to adjust to a more online lifestyle, suggests Limassol-based psychologist and CBT therapist Dr Marta Kiss.
“I think we are moving more and more towards online interactions,” Marta suggests. “And that will affect jobs, schooling, how people shop and socialise – lots of things. 2021 is a chance for us to make the most of a new year,” she continues, “not just in Cyprus, but worldwide. Our fear of transmitting the virus will definitely lead to a more online lifestyle, and that can be a double-edged sword, because different people react in different ways. I think it will be difficult for those who need social interaction, harder for them to find that connection in a world that will continue largely online. But for those who overwhelmed by burnout, by dealing with too many people and activities, 2021 could be a restorative opportunity.”
Increased consideration for others is what Nicosia-based teacher Eleni Semeli expects to see in 2021. “I think the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us the value of togetherness,” she acknowledges. “2020 has been a real learning curve; making us think about what’s really important. We’re no longer so fixated on material possessions – on what car to get, or whether we can afford that new phone. Instead, we’re thinking about when we’ll get to see our families and friends again; we’re thinking about the people we love.
“The pandemic has taught us to pull together,” she adds. “I don’t see it going away anytime soon, but I’ll admit it has helped us becomes more considerate of one another, and that’s a trend I see enduring into 2021. A lot of people who only looked out for themselves are now caring about others – it’s a huge, positive shift in consciousness which I really hope will continue in the following months.”
Bill Gates has also given us a more cheerful picture of the year to come. Speaking at the GeekWire Summit in October, he acknowledged that the pandemic is a huge setback, but also suggested that life is, overall, improving: “Slowly but surely, we’re recognising how we treat minorities, how we treat women. Slowly but surely, we’re reducing cancer deaths, beginning to understand things like diabetes and Alzheimer’s. Progress will continue to take place. And so, you know, I’m upbeat.”
If one of the world’s brightest philanthropists admits to being positive about 2021, perhaps there’s less to worry over than we imagine. The general consensus seems to be that – while it won’t be easy – we will survive: 2021 could be a better year for us all. It won’t happen at the stroke of midnight on January 31, but by June, perhaps things will have improved enough for that second summer of love. In the meantime, fingers crossed the zombie apocalypse holds off!
