Gov. Charlie Baker delivers his televised State of The Commonwealth Address from his ceremonial State House office on Jan. 26, 2021. Photo by Erin Clark | Boston Globe Staff/Pool

Gov. Charlie Baker sought to reassure an impatient public Tuesday night that their chance to get vaccinated from COVID-19 would come, but the governor also used the unusual circumstances of his “State of the Commonwealth” address to offer people encouragement after a trying year.

Instead of laying out a detailed policy agenda, Baker’s remarks revolved almost entirely around how Massachusetts has and continues to respond to the COVID-10 pandemic. He offered no further glimpses into the budget he intends to file Wednesday, or hint at any legislation he might be working on.

“The end is in sight – but for the next few months, we must continue to stay vigilant and take steps to stop the spread,” Baker said. “Know this – we will beat this virus. And life will begin to return to normal.”

Baker delivered the speech standing from his ceremonial office at the State House, surrounded by a small group of aides, a pool TV camera, and one news photographer. There were no pauses for applause, hugs or pats on the back as he made his way down a red carpet.

Much of the speech focused on the sacrifices made by the people of Massachusetts, and the way people came together to support each other. He quoted from Walt Whitman and the feel-good comedy “Ted Lasso,” about an American football coach who goes to London to manage a Premier League soccer team. And he discussed the ways he saw the state rising to the challenge of COVID-19.

But Baker also allowed that the time will come when the pandemic is over.

“As we come out of the pandemic, one issue we need to get right is the future of work,” Baker said.

The Republican said people may never want to go back to the office five days a week, virtual conferences may replace in-person gatherings, and employers will need to rethink recruitment and training.

“It’s critical that we understand this – and lean into what this reset means – so that we create the community building, housing, economic development and transportation programs that align with these changes. Make no mistake, we have always lived by our wits. Figured out the future and got there first. This time will be no different,” Baker said.

Baker’s remarks came the same day Amazon committed to lease 630,000 square feet of office space for thousands of new employees in a yet-to-be-built tower in Boston’s Seaport district, signaling a strong commitment by one of the region’s largest employers to in-person working arrangements.