Keep wearing masks; but, a better direction?

This is the time of year that is always given to bouts of cabin fever, especially in years like this one that have plenty of snow. But of course this year has the added, complex variable of the effects of the worldwide pandemic making all humans feel way too isolated from each other, even as society begins to open up more due to greater vaccine availability.

For those of our readers who already have received two vaccinations, who became eligible during the first round of 75 and older and first responders, well done and here’s hoping it has created a greater feeling of relief and relative freedom for you. For the second round of Connecticut residents 65 and over, some have likely just had their first shots or are waiting to do that, but still must feel a weight off knowing the vaccine is available to them. 

As of this week, those 55 and over, as well as teachers, school staff and child care providers are eligible, giving many more residents the chance to protect themselves, and hopefully others, by being vaccinated. Gov. Ned Lamont’s break with the federal guidelines by going to mainly age-defined eligibility for the vaccine has made some citizens feel passed over. But his justifications for his going by age, and just moving as quickly as possible through each group, are understandable. A person’s age is a lot more quickly and easily confirmed than their health status and profession. The logistics of keeping track of every Connecticut resident’s age is manageable and arguably fair. And it’s a good step that educators for all age children are eligible as well. 

In addition, those younger people, 54 and under, who had no real vision of when they would be able to gain access to the vaccine, can now at least plan and see the light at the end of the tunnel. If things go as they have been, the timeline will be favorable to making life better for all age groups, and all those approved for the vaccine who work, shop for food and other essentials, get their cars worked on, go to the doctor or dentist, or need other kinds of medical care. The list can go on of activities that are hard to avoid despite safety concerns. Because after a year in general lockdown, there are things that cannot be put off that people need to do to remain healthy outside of  the dangers presented by COVID-19. 

So we can all be grateful that the vaccines have been made more readily available to more Americans, and have reason to hope that it will continue to be the case. It is also critical that inequity in access to vaccination be solved, both in the United States and around the world. Because if we all aren’t protected by the vaccine, there is greater opportunity for the coronavirus to continue its deadly spread and variants. After a year in the throes of pandemic, with too many lives lost and too many people sickened and suffering long-term effects from the illness, the hope of vaccines changing the trajectory of COVID-19, and at least partially controlling it, is most welcome.

Of course, as long as the recommendation of the medical community and Dr. Fauci is to wear masks, masks should be worn. After all, it helps control the spread of other airborne bugs in addition to COVID-19, making for a better health profile all around.

Maybe once spring and summer arrive this year, we will all be able to overcome some of the isolation of cabin fever and begin to interact more openly, if still cautiously, once again. We may not be back to anything like what we remember as normal life, and we all need to remember many are still suffering not only from the disease, but from the economic devastation caused by it, but some change toward openness will elevate expectations for what lies ahead.