A year in review: 2021 for many has been a very rough year…we are looking forward to a brighter future.
2021: a year to remember. This year has been eventful, to say the least. We have experienced a change of presidency. Riots broke out upon the capital building. Wall Street once again broke into havoc with the new digital currency Dogecoin and the GameStop stock. Yet, the most important milestone was our continued resiliency during this coronavirus pandemic.
By now the majority of the world’s population knows that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention. Older people and those with underlying medical conditions like cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, or cancer are more likely to develop serious illnesses. Anyone can get sick with COVID-19 and become seriously ill or die at any age. There is still much to be learned about this disease and scientists and doctors around the world are working tirelessly on treatments, vaccinations, and safety protocols.
As the pandemic continued through 2021, New York in particular was deeply affected both in COVID infections and deaths but also through the slowing down of the economy. For the larger part of the year, we have been quarantined. But in recent months things began opening up and some aspects reaching close to “normal”. Yet, with the new Omicron variance of the virus, we are ending the year with a rise in infections and a New Year’s wish that we not return to our quarantine state.
For many businesses, the continued quarantining took a toll on their profitability and has caused many mom and pop shops to shut down. In reverse, it has also developed a lot of online businesses and home-based sellers to arise from the shadows and create thriving businesses.
Throughout this pandemic, New York has been quite resilient. Alongside the CDC, many businesses have developed protocols in order for employees as well as customers to stay safe while interacting with each other. Businesses have doubled the cleaning staff, set up floor designations that enforce social distancing, and of course, all stores require that face masks be worn. New York has also implemented the strictest vaccination policy in America with most establishments requiring employees and patrons to show proof of vaccination. So many changes like this have been made to our everyday interactions. While some people have raised opposition, most New Yorkers have willingly adapted to a new normal. They understand and accept that this new normal has been created in order for our society to combat/function in this tragic pandemic.
This viewpoint is shared by our newly elected mayor of NYC, who just assumed his position today, January 1st. With new leadership this year, we expect great things ahead in 2022. We at Two Shes would love to return to the way things were prior to the pandemic but don’t believe we will get there right away. Instead, we envision ongoing enforcement of safety protocols until the majority of the population gets fully vaccinated or has the antibodies. This virus seems to be here to stay for a while and as the variants get weaker and science gets more advanced, we believe we will be able to get on top of it sooner rather than later. Our prediction is that in 2022 we will see more live events coming back, especially once we get through a New York Winter.
Although we have a positive outlook on 2022, as we step into this year of endless possibilities, we don’t forget what the past two years have taught us. We want you to remember to treasure your loved ones as you take hold of what 2022 has to offer you.
From your team @twoshes - Wishing you and yours a safe, healthy, and prosperous new year!