A National Catholic Register article highlighted the trend (and often desire) to return to normal from what one described as the “covidian” era: “On Aug. 11, the Centers for Disease Control loosened most of its COVID-19 guidelines, and many other national, state and local governments, institutions and industries have recently done the same. It’s an important marker that collectively almost everyone wants to move on from the pandemic.” Following a focus on the impact of shutting down mass, the article concludes by describing how “This post-pandemic period is a time — calmly, serenely and wisely — to prepare to do much better the next time civil and health authorities declare a pandemic. Learning from our mistakes, it’s a chance to plan how to ensure access to the sacraments, balancing healthy precaution with the courage and risk-taking that should characterize anyone who claims to be following the Crucified One who calls us to love as he loves.” Another sign of returning to “normal” is the reported resumption of Jehovah’s Witness door to door visits. 

The marking of August 22 as the International Day Commemorating the Victims of Acts of Violence Based on Religion or Belief has focused attention on rising discrimination and different kinds of xenophobia as well as links to COVID-19. For example, one article highlights both the rise and and already high levels of discrimination, especially against Muslims, in Western countries.

Vaccine hesitancy is a continuing concern, with new research reflecting different influences that help to explain hesitancy.

In the area of the often complex links we are following, an Economist article on the long-standing concern over begging practices in West Africa affecting students in Quranic schools mentions (in passing) the impact that COVID-19 has had on the practice.