Since the start of the pandemic, I’ve been very careful to avoid contracting COVID-19.
I am high-risk so I haven’t traveled or attended any parties or concerts. My book club meets via Zoom. I received the Pfizer vaccine as soon as it became available for my age group. I haven’t been inside a grocery store or visited a book shop in nearly two years. In general, the majority of my time has been spent either at home or in dentist offices. Due to the latter — and the negative/painful reinforcement I’ve suffered there — I’m starting to think becoming a full-time homebody is the way to go.
There was a brief period over the summer when M and I could enter the library and browse for books. We ate out for breakfast twice. I even rented an entire movie theatre for us and one other couple to celebrate his birthday because we’d all been vaccinated and cases in our area were low.
Sadly, that didn’t last.
Yesterday, state health officials announced more than 1,000 new coronavirus cases. We had more than 1,000 cases statewide the day before. Over 800 cases were reported the day before that. Hospitals in New Hampshire are now reaching capacity and pleading with the public to get vaccinated and avoid coming to the emergency room unless people are suffering from a trauma, a heart attack or breathing issues. There are just too many patients and not enough staff to go around.
Sadly, it’s only going to get worse with everyone gathering for the holidays and staying inside during the upcoming winter months.
It doesn’t have to be this way forever, though. We all just need to take care of ourselves and others. Wash your hands and get enough sleep. Obtain the vaccine, if you’re able, and the booster when it’s time. While you’re at it, get the flu vaccine as well. For those of us who are needle-adverse, there’s a nasal spray version available this year (Yay!). Utilize reputable delivery services and tip generously. If you know someone who’s elderly or immunocompromised, ask if they need any assistance; that way they won’t have to put themselves in danger in order to obtain basic goods and services. And avoid spending time in groups, but if you must, wear a mask and remain socially distanced.
Basically, be careful and safe, my friends. If we all do our parts, someday this damn pandemic will just be a bad memory.
