For 50 years, Mary Kay Heard gathered with her friends every week to play bridge. That tradition ended with the pandemic.
But last week, after the CDC issued new guidance that those who were fully vaccinated against COVID-19 could again gather in small groups without masks, Heard and three of her friends once again socialized over a game of cards.
“It was just really normal,” she said. “And that’s what we’re all wanting to get back to, isn’t it?”
AS MORE people are vaccinated and restrictions start to ease, shedding the safety of a mask and “getting back to normal” may feel quite abnormal, local therapist Kari Miller, with Blanket Fort Therapy, said.
“Relationships are going to be different, so you might want to ease back into that,” Miller advised.
“I’ve been helping people create dreams and hopes for the future. What do you want, and what steps do you need to get there? Go slowly and at your own pace.”
The past year has led to a great deal of stress, anxiety and depression, Miller said. She continues to see an increase in patients seeking her services for those issues.
She encourages them to find creative opportunities to safely socialize “even if that is still over Zoom, although people are really getting tired of that.”
The changing weather, combined with increased vaccinations, will make it easier to reconnect even as the need continues to wear masks and social distance.
Kansas has not yet relaxed restrictions including mask mandates and social distancing. Health experts at the federal and state level say it is important to continue to take those precautions until the country reaches “herd immunity” by having 70 to 80 percent of the population vaccinated for COVID-19.
However, the CDC and Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued new recommendations that allow for small, private gatherings for those who are fully vaccinated.
President Joe Biden on Thursday said he hoped the country would approach some degree of normalcy by July 4, if everyone follows the recommendations and is vaccinated when their time comes.
That’s encouraging, but Miller cautions that it will take time to adapt. The past year has taught us many lessons, she said.
“Be conscious about choosing what you want in your life moving forward. Reminisce a little about what you liked about your pre-COVID life, and what you liked about your life during COVID.”
For example, some employees have found they really enjoy working from home. They like the opportunities to spend more time with their families and pets.
