Photographs of the New Normal in Thessaloniki
It was tough, it was strange but we came out of it.
The curfew measures imposed by most governments have started getting lifted across the world and with them, a new reality unfolds.
A new reality with masks, gloves and lots antibacterial hand gels. International travel has been to put a pause. Events, meetings and educational seminars have quickly adapted and moved into digital form.
It still seems surreal, considering how fast this all happened. The world around us has changed and I am eager to see how long this change will last.
Only time will tell if this “new normal” is good or bad and how long it will stay. What matters is that it’s shifting how our society works, and its important that we document this (probably) pivotal change of our society for future reference.
Hair salons were the first to open after the quarantine and barbers were some of the first to face the new reality of having to wear a mask while working.
Children started going out again, enjoying the lovely weather that our city offered for the first days after the quarantine.
Churches are open once again but disinfections have to be carried out to keep places of worship clean and safe.
My little sister taking her school classes through Zoom. Digital video calls became the new normal, replacing traditional school classroom lessons.
A fast-food restaurant employee, looking at the camera. People who work in restaurants and cafes are some of the ones affected the most, as they have to wear masks through long shifts, while working in conditions with high temperatures.
A woman feeding stray cats. People who fed stray animals played an crucial role in keeping cats and dogs on the street alive during the curfew.
Believers sitting on plastic chairs outside of the church of Agios Demetrios to hear the Sunday chant.
Antibacterial hand gels are everywhere.
Many small businesses were brought to their knees during the curfew, seeing their revenue drop to almost zero. Others face the unfortunate possibility of permanently going out of business. The full economic impact of COVID-19 on the Greek economy though remains to be seen.
Many people still to choose to spend time outside by themselves to avoid possible infection or spreading of the disease.
Shoppers have to face long lines outside of almost every shop in the city center.
Two women look at the sunset while keeping a safe distance from each other
Lovers met again, some after 2 months of quarantine.
As the risk for another lock-down continues to stay imminent, I am curious to see if these images will become a relic of the past, reminding us of an odd situation we all faced or become something else, become the new normal.
P.S. A big thank you to my friends at RAW Society for inspiring me to do this short photo essay and helping photographers worldwide develop their skills and visual thinking.