Twenty pictures showing what the ‘new normal’ looks like

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. Erik Kohl, front of house, ready to take orders at Biddy's Tea Rooms. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Dozens of pubs in Norfolk and Waveney have reopened, attractions are welcoming back visitors and we can get rid of those lockdown lids once and for all.

We can finally visit family, meet our friends and enjoy a delicious meal out.

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. One of the floor signs in the Royal Arcade. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

But what exactly does ‘normal’ mean in this post-lockdown era? And do the measures that remain in place to combat the spread of coronavirus represent the ‘new normal’?

While many have returned to work, millions are still doing their jobs from home.

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. The hand sanitising station and the entrance and exit doorways for the one way system to Biddy's Tea Rooms. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

Face masks are currently mandatory on public transport and soon we may have to wear them in shops as well.

Ultimately, the concept of social distancing is now ingrained in our daily routines and could be here to stay for a long time to come.

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. One of the floor signs in the Royal Arcade. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

These pictures offer a brief glimpse of what the normal looks like across Norfolk and Waveney, including in pubs, restaurants and on our high streets.

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. One of the many floor signs we are seeing everywhere. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. One of the floor signs in Jarrolds. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. Tim Benns, sales manager in menswear at Jarrolds, in the new wider aisles, with two metre distancing markers. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. Jarrolds like most stores has separate entrance and exit doors. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The Cancer Research UK charity shop in Norwich, which has one-way arrows and two metre distancing markers on the floor. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. Partitions have been put in between tables at Brix & Bones at Gonzos. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. Partitions have been added between tables at the rooftop bar at Gonzos. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. Gonzos where partitions have been added between some of the tables, and tables spread out. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. A socially distance sign in the Walnut Tree Shades. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. Customers enjoying the Congo Rapids crazy golf course at Easton. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. The public have been asked not to touch the animals in La Hacienda at Banham Zoo, which is normally the petting area. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. One of the signs around Banham Zoo. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. Banham Zoo's camels, Scrummy and Lucy Lu, who are in their own bubble. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. One of the signs around Banham Zoo. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

The new normal, how life is now after Covid-19 restrictions have been eased. The penguins in their closed enclosure at Banham Zoo, maybe missing the visitors. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Copyright: Archant 2020)