Analogy: COVID-19 was a sudden, sharp, unexpected force. As in physics, it didn't just change the speed at which things were going, it changed their direction.

Sharing economy? Done.
In-person events? Down.
Remote? Way up.

It's this directional shift that was most disorienting.

However, while COVID-19 persists as a force, it feels like the *directional* change is slowing down. We're now in the trench warfare phase of the pandemic.

Even if there is a significant 2nd wave, or >10X as many cases worldwide, or more lockdowns, it's no longer as unexpected.

It's like the difference between 9/11 versus 7/7.

9/11 was shocking and strategically unexpected. Totally new threat, changed the direction of the West.

7/7 was shocking yet only *tactically* unexpected. People knew terrorist attacks might happen, just not when & where.

So over the last few months everyone has acquired a new vocabulary: R0, lockdown, PCR, antibody, quarantine, social distancing, contact tracing, etc.

More waves or lockdowns may well happen, but they're no longer as unprecedented. Direction is changing less.

For now, at least.