The news that several variants of the coronavirus have made their way to the United States is spurring many to wear not only one but two face masks. 
Some of the new strains are said to be more contagious and more virulent than what we’ve been experiencing this past year.
Health experts expect the next six weeks to be a very trying time in terms of the number of new cases and their severity.
The good news is that what should by now be routine behaviors — masking, social distancing, and getting fresh air as much as possible — are still effective at guarding against contracting the virus. So don’t let up.
About the Super Bowl.
Despite the pandemic, many will likely venture outside their regular circle of family and friends to watch the game. A recent poll of 1,522 respondents reported 25% plan to live it up.
If you must, consider an outdoor venue where social distancing can occur.
Hats off to Super Bowl organizers who have given an estimated 7,500 free tickets to health care workers who have been vaccinated. The Tampa stadium holds more than 70,000, but will be limited to about 22,000 seats to allow for safe distancing between fans. Every fan in attendance will be required to wear a face mask.
Even if you’re not a football fan, the preshow will be a must-see. Amanda Gorman, the 22-year-old writer who recited her own poem for President Joe Biden’s inauguration, will recite a new creation recognizing three individuals who have shown leadership during the pandemic.
THE VACCINES against the virus are making their way here, albeit much slower than we would prefer. But the fact that some in our community have received the two-dose vaccine, which has also proven effective against these new mutations, is comforting. Most of us will be waiting months before we become eligible, which is how it should be. Experts say the vaccine takes several weeks to be 100% effective as the body builds up its immunity.
I won’t pretend to understand why some people are saying they will not get the vaccine because they don’t trust it. The world’s pre-eminent scientists have been working at break-neck speed to develop these vaccines in order to save the world from a massive number of deaths. After a year with no cure, more than 2.1 million worldwide have died from COVID-19; more than 440,000 in the United States alone. The only thing to help us turn the corner on COVID is a vaccine.
It’s not the flu. Sunlight doesn’t touch it. The 2020 election didn’t make it disappear. It’s not going to go away on its own.
Yet instead of believing in the science of the virus and how it can be treated, there are those who choose to believe in hocus pocus conspiracy theories such as that vaccines will be used to implant monitoring microchips in billions of people.
Look, if you fear Big Brother is going to track you, ditch your cell phone, the most obvious GPS locater in the world.
After all, you know companies like Facebook, Google and Apple collect every single click, like and follow. But please don’t doubt the science behind vaccines that could save so many lives.
