The New Normal

 We've been dealing with this COVID thing now for almost two years. Now we've been hit with the OMICRON mutation which is spreading like wildfire and vaccines offer limited protection.  I've come to the realization that the 'new normal' going forward will be all about coping and living with pandemics.  More mutations will likely come and besides even if the pandemic goes away you will never catch me in a plane or any indoor crowded place without a mask, much like the Japan and Korea have always done.  Why catch colds and influenza when a simple mask will protect you? Once you get used to a mask its not that bad at all.  So here are my points about the new normal to help us cope with disease spreading.

1. If we've learned anything, it's that shutting down the economy for a disease that has a kill ratio of less than 2% doesn't make sense because of the harm it causes to livelihoods, mental health, education, etc...  Shutting down the economy does way more harm, especially to school children who have lost two years worth of education and social interaction.
2. Mandate all people to take the vaccine and boosters. There is NO REASON for them not to. They are the ones who have caused this pandemic to be worse than it should be. This argument about personal freedom and rights is bullshit.  The people who make those claims are silly fools who have not yet realized that in a civilized society there is no such thing as freedom.  Civilization brought about laws for the common good that must be followed and no one has been free since that time.  If you want to be free, move off-grid to Alaska or Siberia and live off the land otherwise shut the duck up.
3. Tie the vaccine to people's social security and those who do not take the vaccine suffer an income tax penalty of 15k per person every year until they get the vaccine
4. During spikes, force people to wear masks in indoor public places and show proof of vaccine to attend events.
5. Accept the fact that some people will die. People will always die like they do now for the regular  flu. But if we take the above measure deaths will be minimized.

So in summary, we all have to live with pandemics, but act as a responsible human being and follow the law to not be a disease spreader and if you disregard the law, then suffer the consequences.