Life after lockdown: partying in a post COVID-19 world
What will life after lockdown be like in a COVID-19 world?
As we enter the tail end (hopefully) of lockdown here in South Africa), it’s time to look at what our future in a Coronavirus world looks like.
Yes, the Rona is here to stay- it’s not going to ‘hit the road’ when lockdown is lifted.
I’m afraid that in this scenario “back to normal” is in no way applicable to the reality we find ourselves in.
Until a cure or vaccine is approved, we are 100% in battle mode where social distancing and strict hygiene protocols remain our only armor.
So, what does that mean for life post-lockdown?
Will we be able to gather with friends and family?
Will the events industry be revived?
A major music industry aspect I’ve been thinking about is outdoor music festivals.
Yes, it’s winter now so the festival season is in hibernating, but what will happen in spring when outdoor festival season starts to bloom?
Will it be allowed to bloom?
As you can imagine, the first festival ‘back’ will be HUGE, bringing together thousands of people ready to MINGLE.
There will be hugging, drink sharing, spliff sharing- everything will be shared and social distancing will be thrown out the window.
More like social dis-dancing
Besides the mingling, three days out in a forest with physical exertion, substance use and minimal sleep is not a recipe for immune strength.
In fact, think back to those post-rave flus (if you can even ‘member that far). Your body= sore, your throat= gone, your mind= mush. Good times!
Probably the biggest issue, though, is the rate of transmission.
Having contact with many people increases the likelihood of spreading the virus.
The points of transmission skyrockets… I know this is not what you want to hear, but this is the reality we all know.
Naturally, music festivals and the ‘right to party’ are last on the agenda.
When French President Emmanuel Macron announced the extension of lockdown to 11 May, he added that public events would be the LAST to return as the country “progressively opened,” as reported by The Guardian.
Denmark is following similar suit, having extended its ban on events involving more than 1000 people until September.
And that’s just for now. Who knows where we will be in September?
Once lockdown is lifted and we are free to roam, cases will increase.
With South Africa having some of the strictest lockdown regulations, I can’t see the government allowing gatherings anytime soon.
And you know what, if it’s for the safety of all, then that’s what we need to do.
Besides, there’s nothing we can do about it.
It will be a surprise to see a festival before 2021, to be honest.
Well, we’re making it through lockdown, now we just have to adapt to life after lockdown survival of the fittest style, naturally.