“No New Cases in Covid Report”

This was the front page headline in the Dahlonega Nugget, our local newspaper for Lumpkin County, Georgia. The subtitle was “Experts credit vaccine with reducing spread.” I believe this is true along with our habits of doing the right thing by wearing masks and being careful. It is wonderful news.

It still confounds me, however, that there are so many reports of people not getting vaccinated for one reason or another. Some have underlying medical conditions which make sense, but others offer up all sorts of reasons. Most often, people question the fact that these are new vaccines and have not been fully approved yet. Others just seem to reject vaccinations out of hand. Some don’t trust the medical authorities. I don’t get it; the vaccines have been given to millions around the world with few problems. I trust electricians and plumbers when I have the need because they know what they are doing and I don’t. I also trust my doctor and those in the profession who have made a career of studying viruses and pandemics.

It is apparent that the pandemic is receding and everything is opening up. Recently, I didn’t wear my mask when I went to the grocery store and I felt almost naked. It seemed to make sense doing so since the pronouncements that fully vaccinated people could stop wearing masks. Further it was reinforced by the fact that almost no one in sight was wearing masks. I didn’t want to stand out as the lone “nerd.” The next day I wore my mask while shopping.

It seems that these last eighteen months have left indelible marks on us that will continue for some time at least. It has been an interesting, if sometimes scary ride.