COVID-19 update: Wednesday, March 10th

Just answering a couple of questions I have gotten.

All's quiet on the Western Front....ok well maybe not quite quiet, but quieter. Things are slowing down and I am thrilled that there has not been much for me to post. You of course know about the stimulus and the CDC recommendations regarding vaccinated people and the states removing restrictions. There isn't much new, which is wonderful. So I thought I would just provide brief answers to a couple of questions I have been getting and of course, if you still have questions about anything feel free to post them.

1. What do I think of the states removing their mandates. - It is important to note that as we return to normal people are going to feel a bit nervous about that. This is actually normal and expected because we have been living in a hyper-vigilant state for a year or more. But we do have to start returning to normal, it's what we have been waiting for. Some states are going a little prematurely - however IF they allow the specific counties to continue to determine what is happening in their county and what mandates are needed in their respective county - then it could be fine. The state-level removal only means that the state is now letting the counties decide for themselves - the rules will no longer apply state-wide. Those decisions can now be made based on the level of disease in the individual county, and that is ok, good even. But of course, that means the county has to do that and has to have the authority to do so. Theoretically, it could be fine.

2. What about the CDC comments regarding vaccinated people. - This is also a good thing. Vaccinated people visiting with other vaccinated people pose an extremely low threat to each other. And let's be honest, there are a lot of people out there eager to hug their families. So as long as it is vaccinated people with other vaccinated people the risk is minimal. Remember, it's all about assessing our risk, reducing that risk, and deciding what risk we are comfortable taking. But as more and more people get vaccinated, we really will be ok to return to normal things - and one day we will go to the store and not have to wear a mask. Won't that be weird? Perhaps there will be mask burnings in celebration when it is all finally over over - you know, when we can gather in large numbers again.

FINAL THOUGHTS: Numbers continue to improve and things are getting better and while that should make us all celebratory is can be a little anxiety-inducing. This isn't over, but we are ebbing closer every day. We can't discard precautions just yet, be we can finally think about exhaling. As schools start to reopen in places where they have not been, and places start to relax the rules a little and reopen, we will most likely see a small surge in cases - that is expected. It can be hard to resume "normal" after so long at a heightened sense of alertness - give yourself and others time. Be mindful that if you have been holding together really well, it may all start crashing down on you. Exhaustion may hit. We all may need a collective vacation after this. But we truly do seem to be heading into better days. Thank you for walking with me on this journey, thank you for the wonderful questions you have asked, the insights and answers you have shared, and for the sense of community, you have developed. I will continue to post as needed and of course, I am always available for questions. But get out your good shoes because this is nearly over.