Continue to Mask Up in Public
It is encouraging to see vaccine distribution speeding up around the world. With inoculation rates creeping upwards by the day, states lifting restrictions meant to curb further transmission, and hopes that the US can return to a sense of normalcy by Independence Day, it is easy to understand why many are eager to resist following further restrictions and lockdowns. People are tired of being away from family and friends and want things to return to what was. While the definition of “what was” may be forever different, it certainly is not out of the realm of possibility to want a new normal to form so people can be free to live the lives that they want.
However, until we reach that point of herd immunity, we must continue to be mindful with the situations that we put ourselves in. According to the newest round of CDC guidelines, fully vaccinated people (defined as people who are two weeks past their second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine, or the first of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine) can meet indoors with other fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask or having to observe a certain social distance. Vaccinated people can also visit with unvaccinated people without a mask, but unvaccinated should be conscious of the risk to contract COVID from fellow unvaccinated people.
Whether vaccinated or unvaccinated, though, the guidelines state that people must continue to wear masks and social distance while in public. This does seem annoying to those who have done everything right, including following all the guidelines and getting vaccinated when advised. However, it is the right thing to do, considering that society has not reached herd immunity yet, and in public we interact with strangers that have various backgrounds and medical histories.
It seems redundant, perhaps frustrating, to keep saying that soon enough, this will all be over. But until it is, and afterwards, Bomark will continue to provide safety equipment, including face masks, gloves, respirators and temperature scanners.
