While no single person can be credited with inventing the phrase, its prominence during the pandemic can be attributed to its use by global leaders, public health officials, and media outlets. The phrase was used to describe the significant changes in society, economy, and daily life resulting from the pandemic, and the new ways of living and working that people were adapting to.
Here are some key moments that contributed to the phrase's popularity:
* April 2020: IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva used the phrase in a speech, referring to the economic impact of the pandemic.
* May 2020: World Economic Forum used the phrase in a report on the post-pandemic world.
* July 2020: Oxford English Dictionary added "new normal" to its dictionary.
Although the "new normal" has roots in various contexts, its association with the COVID-19 pandemic solidified its meaning and widespread use. It is now a commonly understood phrase referring to a significant shift in society and behavior following a major event or crisis.