Getting Back to Business: With Caution & Safety
As the vaccine rollout continues, there’s a lot of confusion as to what we can do, when and where, and exactly how. Whether you’re thinking about returning in-person to work, school, a concert, bar or restaurant -- here are some things to keep in mind.
PROTECT YOURSELF FIRST Whether you get the vaccine now, someday, or never at all, is your personal choice to make; but with each decision comes some responsibility to protect yourself, your loved ones, and anyone near you. If two weeks have passed since your final COVID-19 Vaccine (second shot for Pfizer and Moderna; first and only for J&J), then consider yourself vaccinated. While it is safer for you to engage freely without a mask indoors and out, consider the risks of not masking depending on who you are with, where, and for how long. This is especially important if you have children under the age of 12 who, at this time, are ineligible for the vaccine. You may want them to still mask up even if you don’t.
It is likely very safe for you to shop or dine in a well-ventilated area. A packed concert might present a concern, as you will be in close proximity to a lot of people who are talking loudly at close range for a long period of time.
BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHERS By protecting yourself as priority #1, you can become less emotionally involved in the decisions of others. Just because you choose not to wear a mask, others still may, and vice versa. Someone might have underlying health conditions that puts them at risk, or they are caring for a loved one with health concerns, or they lost someone dear to the disease.
LISTEN TO YOUR GUT as we re-enter the “new normal” of daily living, be prepared to listen to your instincts. While many situations will feel completely safe, a few might make you feel uncomfortable. Have the masks handy to put on if you suddenly find yourself in a crowd -- or give yourself permission to leave a situation where you’re not comfortable, if not avoiding it altogether.
Sports analogies can be cliche, but this one makes perfect sense. We are so close to the end zone, there’s no sense in fumbling the ball now. Trust yourself to make the right decisions and be kind and compassionate when dealing with others