Beaches were packed over the weekend, like any summer day.

It was not hot like it is normally in July and August, and the sea was still too cold for many. But people flocked to sandy and rocky beaches for the first weekend since the relaxation of Coronavirus measures.

The fact that children have no school has probably pushed families to make an earlier start to their beach season. Usually, at this time of the year, children would be preparing for their end of year examinations and many parents opt not to take children to the beach before the academic year ends. 2020 is an altogether unique year in this regard, with schools closed before Easter, and it was not a surprise to see so many children already playing on the sand or fooling around in the water.

Sunbeds and umbrellas were rigorously kept at a two-metre distance by the operators, although by the time the day ended they had been moved around as people sought the shade. But, still, it was less crowded and more comfortable having some distance from your beach neighbour. At least you could still have a private conversation without being overheard; some people, however, are still too loud and not even a 200-metre gap would be enough not to hear them. But that’s another story.

Restaurants also reopened after a two-month forced shutdown, and although business was not like it was before the closure – and nobody expected it to be – at least it was a beginning. Hairdressers and beauticians were reported to be busier, as many wanted to get their hair cut or done, and women to re-do their nails, after neglecting them for several weeks.

The wearing of masks has become obligatory in vanity shops, not so in restaurants for the patrons, although other restrictions have been imposed such as distance between tables and chairs. These guidelines meant that the restaurants could accommodate fewer people, but they were relieved to get the ball rolling.

Over the past two months or so, many restaurants continued to operate delivery services to partially make up for their losses, and it is hoped that this continues now and even when restaurants get busier as time goes by. Restaurants have come to realise that they have attracted new customers through their delivery services, and it would be a shame if this is discontinued.

Having said this, it would not be a bad idea for the restaurants to use this period of restrictions to also gauge whether the customers who eat on the premises are happier to dine in an area which is not as crowded and noisy as it was three months ago. They might see it as an opportunity to come up with a different table lay-out, and then balance things out by continuing their delivery service.

The same goes for operators of sun-beds and umbrellas on our shores. Spreading them out further takes up more space on the beach, but it certainly provides a better ambience and less chaos. Of course, the government has already said that the concessions being given this particular summer are not intended to become permanent but, even here, it would not be a bad idea for the authorities and the operators to gauge what happens, and only then decide what to do in 2021.

It could be that some of the measures we are forced to apply in 2020 will turn out to offer a better deal for one and all. If this happens, at least the Coronavirus would have served a good purpose.