Just when it seemed like we could finally enjoy a semi-normal holiday season, with safe family gatherings if all are vaccinated, and even the possibility of eating indoors at a restaurant again post booster, along comes Omicron.
We still have a lot to learn about what appears to be a highly contagious Covid “variant of interest.” It will be a couple of weeks before scientists can determine if Omicron can defy the vaccines, although there is reason to believe that the vaccines, especially with a booster, will still protect against serious illness.
In any case, the same safety precautions continue to apply: get vaccinated, get a booster if you’re 18 or older and at least six months out from your full dose, wear a mask in public, practice social distancing, and get tested if you are exposed to someone who has Covid or if you have symptoms.
I am trying to focus on the positive. I’m really grateful that our family are all boosted. We had a great visit with extended family over Thanksgiving weekend, all were vaccinated, and it felt like the Before Times. And so far, so good, I feel fine. I hate having to wear a mask in public, but I can deal with it. It does not impinge on my personal liberty. I am glad to do my part to protect myself and others.
Perhaps this latest development will finally convince the hold-outs to get the jab. Probably that’s wishful thinking. Clearly, more vaccines are needed throughout the world to save lives and make the transition to just another virus we learn to live with.
And so, the pandemic drags on. Stay safe out there.
Evelyn Herwitz blogs weekly about living fully with chronic disease, the inside of baseballs, turtles and frogs, J.S. Bach, the meaning of life and whatever else she happens to be thinking about at livingwithscleroderma.com. Please view Privacy Policy here.
Image: Bernard Hermant
I love the graphic that headed this post–reminds me of the one I draw next to any entry in my journal that discusses the pandemic. I’m really glad to hear that you had a great family Thanksgiving, and we did, too. But now what? Several holiday gatherings are on my calendar, and no knowing whether they will be able to occur. COVID has trained me, however, not to look forward to anything.
As for “giving up your freedom” by wearing a mask. I do this, too, and I also give up my freedom to barrel through intersections regardless of stoplights. I hope the anti-vaxers don’t decide that traffic signals also are too restrictive.
Let’s hope Omicron doesn’t live up to all the fear-mongering!