Maybe that's why I like them so much :)

It was quieter than a usual year but much more normal than pesach

Yes, that would be a good compromise. Having an hour of learning every day with fun the rest of the day can work well.

Yes, cross-immunity is highly likely. Having immunity to a similar coronavirus doesn't mean that you won't get sick but you're more likely to have a milder case. Also, once you have already recovered, having repeated exposure will likely boost immunity.

That's a great question!  Since it's formed again each time you put it on and you press it flat again while taking it off it's probably allowed but maybe we should stick to masks that either don't have the metal or was shaped in advance.

I think Dianne Wynn Jones is really underrated.  Her books are amazing.  Why isn't she better known?