60% of S’poreans Might Continue to Social Distance & Wear Masks After COVID-19 Pandemic is Over

Some of you might be under the impression that if the authorities ease all the coronavirus-related restrictions in place, Singaporeans will be dancing naked with strangers in the streets while coughing on each other’s faces.

But you’re forgetting one vital fact: Singaporeans are extremely kiasu.

This is sometimes an annoying trait, like how we automatically join a queue even if we have no idea what it’s for.

Or how we purchase insane amounts of toilet paper and face masks during a pandemic even though we live alone with 15 dogs.

But at a time when extreme prudence is encouraged, being kiasu might just come in handy.

60% of S’poreans Might Continue to Social Distance & Wear Masks After COVID-19 Pandemic is Over

Even after the Covid-19 pandemic ends, more than half of Singaporeans may continue to wear masks and observe social distancing.

According to a nationwide online study by Nanyang Technological University (NTU), 60% of respondents said they are likely to continue these precautionary practices even after the coronavirus situation is under control.

1,606 individuals with an average age of 40 were polled in the study.

The study aimed to discern the long-term effects of the pandemic on residents’ social behaviour.

64% of respondents said they will continue to wear masks when outdoors after the pandemic.

Moreover, nearly 68% said they will keep using hand sanitiser, and about 62% said they will still use videoconferencing applications for work or study.

Nearly 7 in 10 respondents said they would continue to observe safe distancing and avoid places with large gatherings after the pandemic.

So, when exactly will the pandemic end?

Pandemic Could Last Four to Five Years

Well, not anytime soon, according to our Education Minister Lawrence Wong.

Mr Wong predicted that it could be four or five years before the devastating Covid-19 pandemic ends.

So, mandatory mask wearing, safe distancing, and avoiding crowded places will continue to be a part of our everyday life for quite some time, even for the 40% who will ditch these practices after the pandemic is over.

But the safety practices which many will continue to observe may have additional benefits.

Reduces Risk of Contracting Other Diseases

For one, this will reduce the risk of contracting influenza and common cold viruses.

Sure, they’re not as deadly as the coronavirus, but unless you loathe your boss and hate work, who wants to get the flu?

The pandemic has also made us more socially responsible. In the future, even after the pandemic is over, we’ll feel compelled to wear a mask if we’re unwell, so we don’t pass the disease on to those around us.

Yes, while it has sometimes brought out the worst in humanity, the pandemic may also make us more considerate beings.

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