Last I heard only about 25% of people in the U.S. have received the vaccine and even fewer in most other countries. I think things are starting to return to normal in the U.S. (though I think we're rushing it) and will continue to do so steadily throughout the year, but it probably won't be until very late 2021 until things seem back to normal.

It depends entirely on how well the vaccines work against the new variants. I can't believe the media haven't reported on this. We need to get a better handle on whether people can get it twice (as was initially reported about the crew of the aircraft carrier).

Right now the surge in cases appears to be cresting and maybe leveling out. It is still a high rate and the anti-vax sentiment suggests the current rate could remain near this level for as long as the 40% remain un-vaccinated.

If the vaccine is effective against the new variants, a lot could open up for those that are protected.

Surface transmission has supposedly been shown to be rare. Perhaps the wiping down of surfaces can be reduced if you send information to the right policy-makers.