As avid travelers or those who wanted to be prior to the pandemic, it comes as no surprise that lately, everyone has been checking the news more often. According to experts, we're in a pivotal moment of time where, yes - some countries are already back to 'normal' while others, such as the U.S., are estimated to be only months away from achieving some type of normalcy this year. With the U.S. currently holding the highest record for vaccines out of anywhere in the world right now, the country is on-track to, hopefully, start slowly getting back to a pre-pandemic life by mid-summer, with enough vaccines for every adult to be vaccinated by then.
With that being said, there are still some concerning spikes happening around the country at the time of writing. While other countries, such as Israel, have also seen a spike as the country made the shift from beginning vaccines to reopening, it seems that no one is really sure how this is going to go as of yet. With many states in the U.S. jumping ahead and revoking mask mandates before everyone has even had a chance to be vaccinated, there are some ways that the country is still taking steps backward. According to the CDC, these are the things we can do to ensure that we'll stay on a projected timeline and won't allow victory over this pandemic to be snatched away when the light at the end of the tunnel is so close.
Remain Vigilant With Mask-Wearing And Hand-Washing
While the U.S. is on track with the most vaccines administered so far out of any in the world, that doesn't mean that everyone who wants it, has had the chance to get it. While, yes, being vaccinated means that a person is less likely to spread the virus, it doesn't mean they can't still spread it from surface to surface unintentionally. Many states have their own guidelines regarding what vaccinated persons can and can't do and these, along with CDC recommendations, should be followed, even as we work toward even more vaccinations.
Continuing to wear a mask is the safest thing we can do for everyone around us, and hand-washing is the safest thing we can do to protect ourselves. Even if you've been vaccinated, this is non-negotiable - it could literally save a life.
If You Haven't Been Vaccinated, And Even If You Have, Maintain A Safe Distance
Many states are easing up on restrictions and are allowing vaccinated people to travel between state lines without quarantining. With that being said, this doesn't mean that protecting others just for the sake of compassion and consideration goes out the window. If you've been vaccinated, continue to maintain a safe distance. While the vaccine does protect you significantly, it protects against severe illness, which means there's still a small percent chance that a person who has been vaccinated can get sick, just not as bad as they would had they not been vaccinated. Vaccines are not a cure but they are a tool to fight off a deadly virus.
Don't Travel If You Have Not Received A Full Dose Of The Vaccine
The CDC is still recommending that if you haven't yet received the vaccine, do not travel if it's not essential. With hotspots popping up throughout the country and many states trying to keep a handle on their own reopening as well as community transmission, it's challenging enough without people crossing state lines pre-vaccine. While those who are vaccinated are in a much safer position, everyone has had to wait in a metaphorical line thus far to have the same chance - patience and vigilance are the keys to winning this battle.
Use Your Own Common Sense Regardless Of Which Mandates Are Lifted
Some states have lifted mask mandates which hurt no one but those who choose not to wear masks and anyone who happens to be within six feet of them. There are now three variants of COVID-19 in the U.S. which means that the virus has mutated enough to become even more contagious, getting people sicker with less effort.
Regardless of a state's laws, residents of that state still have the right - and the personal choice - to wear a mask. Protecting others was the theme of 2020 and now, we need the same community effort to, theoretically and literally, protect our neighbors from getting sick.
Practice Patience And Grace, With Yourself And Others, As We Get Through This Together
While 2021 is looking more hopeful as the days go on, it's not out of the realm of possibility that people are still feeling alone, depressed, and isolated. Although we're looking at months rather than years, a wait is a wait, and that's why it's so important that we all allow ourselves the grace to pull through this. Whether that compassion comes in the form of reaching out or busying ourselves with hobbies or just spending the entire day on the couch with Netflix, with each minute that ticks by, we are one minute closer to hugging our loved ones.