As many pundits and healthcare professionals have said, until a vaccine is found, the only way out of the current crisis is to adapt to the virus. And the best way to recover and reopen is to build an impervious new normal, which includes keeping hygiene standards and safe distancing measures at an all-time high. To take an honest look at life in the new normal, just continue scrolling. Here’s what you should expect and adhere to as the pandemic persists.
Buffet lines at restaurants are no more
In hindsight, buffet lines are as unhygienic as it gets. But for those who still wish to enjoy an all-you-can-eat experience, restaurants are still allowed to serve buffets, just in an ala carte format. At Goodwood Park Hotel’s L’Espresso, its famed afternoon tea affair is served in such a manner, where you’ll still get to order however much you please, and have it served to you in a clean and orderly fashion.
Events and festivals are socially distanced affairs
No pushing, shoving, or stepping on others’ feet went down at the UK’s first dedicated socially distanced music venue that debuted in Newcastle last month. Erecting pods that can hold a limited number of festival goers within, guests were able to revel in good, live music while still enjoying the company of a couple of close friends. Seeing how comfortable, clean and pleasant the entire socially distanced event was makes us wonder why this was not done even before the pandemic happened.
Makeup samples go digital
Now that beauty testers and samples are not allowed to be on display at skincare and makeup counters across stores in Singapore, we expect that augmented reality makeup experiences will take centre stage. Think L’Oreal’s ModiFace technology which allows you to try on makeup using AR and artificial intelligence, so you’ll never have to get your hands dirty testing a product at the store ever again.
Theatre productions can now head online
It is often argued that the corporeal nature and allure of traditional theatrical experiences cannot be replicated online, but new online platform The Future Stage is now able to debunk that. A result of the collaboration between Sight Lines Entertainment, playwright and director Chong Tze Chien as well as live streaming start-up Xctuality, The Future Stage has managed to pioneer an immersive, interactive virtual venue capitalising on virtual reality technology and 360-degree streaming in order to create a new digital stage. Not only can you catch all your favourite performers in action wherever and whenever, also be able to toggle between a variety of angles on the virtual stage, something that has been missing from Zoom productions and even those filmed, archival works on YouTube. There’s no doubt that our favourite theatre troupes will soon adopt this technology, and that we will be able to catch comedies, musicals, dramas and so much more, while still being in the safety and comforts of home.
Virtual retail boutiques have arrived
Brick and mortar stores may be allowed to operate once again but the retail industry has since changed dramatically. Stepping up its digital presence is luxury jewellery and watch label Piaget with the launch of its virtual salon that can be accessed on digital devices. Shop and receive the same exclusive and affluent experience with additional touchpoints; this virtual retail boutique will definitely be the first of many to come.
