Pepys, plagues and pubs

If the behaviour of Samuel Pepys after the Great Plague of 1665/66 is anything to go by, then people will be willing to return to offices, shops, pubs and theatres surprisingly quickly once the coronavirus crisis subsides. So as long as the virus is largely contained and extreme social distancing is no longer required, this suggests that life may return to normal quicker than most people expect. We are still concerned, though, that a reduction in the ability of households and firms to spend will hold back the economy.