Yeah I think we have to be forgiving with those sort of continuity errors
I'm interested to see how Corrie (And EastEnders when it comes back) deals with the pandemic. I think a time leap is the only logical move tbh. There's literally no way they can make the show without referencing the pandemic because there's already moments that feel unnatural without the explanation - the scene between Nick and Leanne the other day when she was crying felt very odd when you'd expect Nick to hug her and he just sort of hovered behind the counter to keep his distance.