A lot of us are trying to get back to the way things were before 2020, especially as it pertains to our social lives. But the longer covid-19 remains a threat, the longer we’ll need to stick to pandemic-related social tactics. Mass vaccination is our best shot (pun kind of intended) at restoring at least a semblance of pre-covid social life. “When the vaccine becomes available, get vaccinated,” top US virus expert Dr. Anthony Fauci said when asked by the Gray Lady if we’ll ever go to parties again.

Well, parties are one thing, but should you prepare to experience packs again? The National Geographic unpacks how there’s a widespread fear of (if not disdain for) crowds. It’s unclear how long this aversion will last, but many people are developing a new type of emotional response “of being really jittery or distressed” when in jammed or crowded settings. Whatever you do, please don’t go out chanting corona on New Year’s Eve (yes, we’re looking at you, Stanley Bridge).

A Brave New World: “The new habits we are developing in these days of covid are going to be the habits of the future,” Gizmodo says. There are some etiquette rules that will likely only stick around until the pandemic is properly declared over but we think some behavioral guidelines could stick around longer. Take this rundown of covid etiquette from the Washington Post: While we think face masks will not be required for the rest of eternity and (at least hope) hugs will become common practice again, we expect the ability to set boundaries on what kind of interactions we are comfortable with has a good chance of becoming permanent.