5 Things We're Excited for in 2021
- By Declan McManus
- Jan 03, 2021
Despite being one of the craziest and most unexpected years in recent history, 2020 went out with more of a fizzle than a bang. While COVID-19 doesn't seem to be going anywhere anytime soon, 2021 has high hopes and many promising upsides.
At the very least, 2021 will be an improvement from 2020 (which shouldn't be hard to do). Below are 5 things we're (cautiously) excited for in 2021:
1. The COVID-19 Vaccine
Despite vaccine distribution being behind schedule in the U.S., experts still predict that the majority of Americans can receive the COVID-19 vaccine by mid-2021. As countries across the world have struggled to contain the virus with masks and social distancing efforts, the COVID-19 vaccine will provide a more effective, long term solution by creating an antibody (immune system) response in recipients without them having to experience sickness (CDC, 2020).
While masks and social distancing help protect you from being exposed to the virus, the vaccine actually works with your immune system to protect you if you are exposed. For updated information on the COVID-19 vaccine, visit the CDC website.
2. A Return to In-Person Events
From schools to the Olympics, we will hopefully see a (slow) return to in-person events and gatherings in 2021. While rules and regulations will vary from state to state, we will likely see a gradual return to schools and offices in 2021. While the timeline is still uncertain, many experts say we can have some in-person gatherings by the Spring.
In 2020, we saw virtually all large-scale events being cancelled or postponed. From Coachella to the Olympics, sports and music events were some of the hardest hit by the pandemic. After COVID-19 forced the 2020 Tokyo Olympics to be postponed to 2021, the 2020 Olympic Committee has said the Olympics will take place with a simplified, paired-back approach. This means that social events and the Opening and Closing Ceremonies will be limited, but we will still be able to watch the world's best athletes compete on a global scale.
3. Traveling
While many took advantage of 2020's challenges to go on cross-country road trips and explore the great outdoors, conventional traveling came to almost a complete standstill in 2020. As the airline and hospitality industries have struggled to make ends meet, we should see a slow return to domestic and international travel in 2021.
While masks and social distancing will likely remain the norm for much of 2021, you may (finally) be able to plan a trip and take advantage of the low airline fares in the new year.
4. New TV, Music, and Film Releases
From Tiger King to The Undoing, TV streaming was a lifeline for many of us throughout 2020. While some watched the entirety of Netflix's library over the course of 2020, countless movie and TV releases were postponed until 2021 due to COVID-19. From Top Gun: Maverick to the new Bond film No Time to Die, we will hopefully be able to see an arsenal of new releases in 2021.
2021 will also bring us the release of the much-awaited Friends reunion as well as a reboot of the Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.
5. No More Masks?
While we will most likely be wearing masks well into 2021, this year could bring some relief from the all-too-familiar face coverings. Because of the long process of distributing a vaccine to millions of people, masks will remain our most powerful tool in preventing the spread of COVID-19 for much of 2021. While masks will remain commonplace until the vaccine brings wide immunity to the population, we may see some reductions in mask wearing by the middle-to-end of this year.
As with all other COVID-related issues, mask mandates will be lifted on a state-by-state basis and will be determined based on COVID-19 safety regulations.
