Should social distancing remain permanent?

There will be instances where people will need to come in close contact with each other of course, but considering the fact that we're facing a prospect where we may have to live with the coronavirus for many years to come, would it be of greater benefit to society if we continued with these practices going forward and maintain a 1.5m (6 feet) distance when possible? Keeping up with good hygiene practices, such as washing your hands after going out or using your elbows to open doors, has many potential benefits. It could potentially stop the spread of existing infections such as influenza and it would also relieve the pressure placed on our hospitals. We may need to sacrifice handshakes, hugs (at least with strangers) and certain activities of mass gatherings, but would it really be a bad thing? 

What are your thoughts on this?