So many things people once did without a moment’s hesitation have been either off-limits or severely curbed to fight the worst public health crisis in living memory.
But there is hope on the horizon – vaccines are being rolled out and there are other factors which should, as an expert said this week, mean life will improve in 2021.
Here are 10 things that everyone can look forward to doing when the pandemic fades.
All pharmacies should be used as part of the vaccine programme as they are trusted, have the expertise and are local to every community. JPIMedia's 'Shot In The Arm' campaign calls for everyone to have the ability to get a jab within 10 minutes of their home by using our great pharmacy network.
1. Watching live sport
Matches have been played behind closed doors but top flight sport seems to lose some of its meaning without a big crowd cheering on the players. When the crisis is over, fans will be thrilled to fill stadiums again. Photo: Nigel Roddis/Getty Images
2. Regular haircuts and pampering
When lockdown was first put in place last year it dawned on people that they wouldn't be able to get a professional haircut - some attempted a home cut, while others waited it out until salons reopened in summer. Since then it's been a little on-again, off-again - hopefully salons will soon be able to open again for good. Photo: Gabriel Kuchta/Getty Images
3. Proper celebrations
A consequence of efforts to tackle the pandemic has been the mass cancellation of weddings and other traditional celebrations. Once it is safe to do so, families can reunite to mark marriages and special birthdays in the way they deserve. Photo: Getty Images
4. A relaxed drink in a pub
Many venues have been exemplary in putting measures in place to keep customers safe by maintaining social distancing and strengthening hygiene to stop the spread of Covid-19, but the limits on groups, and the rules people have had to follow, have taken some of the spontaneity out of a visit to the pub. When that returns, it will be welcome. Photo: Peter Summers