Here’s my personal opinions. Yes I’m an EMT for just about two decades, but this has more basis in my personal opinion, my reading, research, chat with colleagues. Obviously, none of us have seen something like this before so this is just what I think.
In all likelihood life in rural areas will revert to what it was within a few months. However, I do believe that things in urban areas (especially NYC) will change for the long term. I think many people will continue wearing masks long term. I think various concepts in the food services industry (self serve salad bars) may cease to exist. I think that large events may not resume for many months, if not longer, so concerts and ball games etc may not be back for a while.
In a nutshell I don’t think this is going away. Whether caused by concrete science or psychological fears we will see a changed world. Before 9/11 no one really thought twice about airport security (ok, briefly in the 70s) and I see this in the same fashion. There is a new awareness now and people are going to adjust their behavior.
On a personal note, I miss shul terribly after 2 months of isolation. I look forward every day to being able to have that back. I do believe the return to society will be more gradual rather than all-at-once but I still anxiously await that first Shabbos.
Hope everyone is coping as well as possible.