Public opinion reflects new stance
Most major retailers are providing hand sanitizer and require staff to wear masks. Some are taking it further and are closing their changing rooms. John Lewis in the UK are taking this measure and have extended their returns policy so customers can try on clothes at home.
Most gyms and fitness studios are either closed or operating at a low capacity. For those who want to maintain their fitness, many gyms are offering live-streamed fitness classes that are easy to follow from home.
The real estate industry continued to operate throughout the crisis using virtual house tours. The practice is so convenient that many believe it will continue after the pandemic.
The gyms that are re-opening are taking extra precautions to keep their customers safe. See here a gym that has placed shields around each treadmill to keep gym-goers separated.
This gym even has a "sanitizing box." It sprays a mist of water and disinfectant chemicals.
Hong Kong has been an example to the world for its new dining practices. Restaurants of all kinds are taking extreme measures to keep diners safe.
The tables must be kept a safe distance from each other or have a partition between them.
Restaurant staff and diners must take their temperatures before entering, and masks are mandatory unless a person is eating or drinking.
Owners have put cardboard cutouts at the empty tables to make it feel like the restaurant is busy, and some are even playing pre-recorded background noise of chatter and clinking glasses.
In Australia, some restaurant owners took somewhat bizarre measures to create a 'normal' dining experience! Safety restrictions limit the number of guests allowed to enter the restaurant, leaving many empty tables.
Many apps are now offering the option to choose a car that has some kind of barrier between the front and back seats.
They have been quick to adapt to ensure their drivers and customers feel safe. They've made masks mandatory in some countries, and even use facial scanning to ensure drivers are complying.
Hotels are making several changes including the end of the beloved breakfast buffet. There are also new apps that guests can use to access hotel information, hotel restaurant menus, and communicate with staff safely.
They'll still be offering dorm rooms, but claim that there will be 2 m (6.5 ft) between each bed. They also plan to allow six hours in between guests so the room can be aired out.
They will also bid farewell to the buffet breakfast, instead offering guests a 'grab & go' pack. Use of the communal kitchen facilities will be limited so staff can keep on top of the cleaning.
All major airports and airlines are requiring passengers to wear masks. United Airlines have confirmed that passengers who refuse to wear masks onboard will be banned.
The distancing policy varies depending on the airline. Some are blocking the middle seat for bookings, while others are simply trying to keep the number of passengers at around 70% capacity.
Strong disinfectant sprays and mist will be used in between flights. Fans will circulate the air through hospital grade HEPA filters during the flight. They should remove 99% of bacteria and viruses.
Passengers may now be asked to board in waves, queuing outside on the tarmac rather than in tunnels. As seen here, temperature scans may also be required before boarding.
Boarding and deplaning are considered the most dangerous processes during the journey, as passengers are often crowded together in tunnels for up to an hour.
Staff at beauty counters will now have to test products on "face charts" instead of directly on customers' faces.
In the US, Macy's have stated that those who wish to try on jewelry or watches will need to sanitize their hands before doing so. Items that are left behind in changing rooms will be kept off the shop floor for 24 hours. Fingers crossed you don't see someone walking off with the last dress in your size!
Travel is one of the most dangerous activities these days, but also the most desired after months in lockdown. For a more in depth look at how travel will work from now on, follow this link.
Restaurants around the world are removing their physical menus and providing customers with the information to view the menu online on their own phones.
Room cleaning will now need to be meticulous. Unnecessary decorative items are being removed from rooms and hotels aim to allow at least 24 hours before the next guests arrive.
If you've been brave enough to reenter society, you'll already have noticed hand sanitizing stations and Plexiglas walls popping up everywhere. Browsing your favorite clothing store or having a drink with a friend aren't the relaxing experiences they once were, but they're small victories nonetheless. Businesses in all sectors are desperate to reopen and welcome the return of their customers, but they have to make some serious changes to meet government requirements and make clients feel safe again. Click through the following gallery to see how businesses all over the world are adapting to the situation.
How are businesses adapting to the new normal?
Returning to normal under highly abnormal circumstances
LIFESTYLE Covid-19
If you've been brave enough to reenter society, you'll already have noticed hand sanitizing stations and Plexiglas walls popping up everywhere. Browsing your favorite clothing store or having a drink with a friend aren't the relaxing experiences they once were, but they're small victories nonetheless. Businesses in all sectors are desperate to reopen and welcome the return of their customers, but they have to make some serious changes to meet government requirements and make clients feel safe again. Click through the following gallery to see how businesses all over the world are adapting to the situation.