For the most part, Pokemon GO players don't have to be in a hurry to complete their Special Research quests. Most of the Pokemon GO Special Research quests feature tasks that can technically be completed at any time, though they are usually much easier to complete closer to when they're added to the game. However, Pokemon GO players that have yet to complete the Distracted By Something Shiny Special Research quest will want to make it a priority, as they will soon be out of luck.
Niantic has confirmed that beginning February 28, Team Rocket's Jessie and James will no longer be appearing in Pokemon GO. When Jessie and James are removed from the game, it will be technically impossible to complete the Shiny Celebi Special Research, as there are objectives directly tied to beating Jessie and James in battle. As a result, the Shiny Celebi Special Research will also be removed come February 28.
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It's possible Niantic will bring the Shiny Celebi Special Research quest back to Pokemon GO at some point in the future, but that's not a guarantee. Anyone that wants to be sure to add a Shiny Celebi to their collection will want to make it a priority to complete the Special Research while it's still available in the game.
Most of the time when Niantic removes Special Research from Pokemon GO, it's limited-time Special Research that players have a clear time limit to complete. The other Special Research in the game tends to stay in there, letting players take their time when completing it. This is especially helpful right now, as the combination of COVID-19 restrictions and the winter months mean many Pokemon GO fans may not be able to play the game like they can in the summer.
To its credit, Niantic has made changes to Pokemon GO to make the game easier to play with COVID-19 restrictions, allowing things like remote raid passes and reducing the distance players need to be to spin PokeStops and the like. The company faced some backlash when it started rolling back these bonuses, with many fans wanting them to stay permanently as they proved to be big quality of life improvements.
And even with these bonuses in place, it wasn't like Niantic was missing out on anything. In fact, they seemed to encourage people to play the game even more, with Pokemon GO enjoying incredible financial success in 2020 despite of all the COVID-19 lockdowns in place.
Pokemon GO is out now for iOS and Android mobile devices.