Covid 19: Re-entering the World Starts with Small, Everyday Steps

We are moving towards a “new normal” with Covid. It seems like a million years ago we freely interacted, mask less, with others. We went to church and sporting events without any concerns for our health. We are not out of the woods yet but there is hope for some normalcy with many people getting vaccinated and death rates dropping.

In Washington state June 30th is the date when our economy will fully reopen. Some places will still require mask wearing such as hospitals, homeless shelters and nursing homes. Reflecting on the prospect of re-entering a mask less and safer world can make any of us anxious. How will it feel to be out? To gather with friends and family without masks? How will you deal with interacting with many more people or be in crowds?

It makes sense to go slow and do a warmup to a life we have lost. It might be good to start with reflecting on what has changed and been lost in the last year. Think about and write down how your life has changed to create a narrative. Something like looking at how you took for granted feeling safe when being in close with others at events and family gatherings. How you used to freely hug or touch those you care about.

That was among the first losses of Covid last year. We began to wash hands, use hand sanitizers, place mail in the garage for weeks before opening it up. Or you might recall the pain of encountering a friend or family member who had lost someone and not being able to place a consoling hand on their shoulder or hug them. All that was forbidden because of the fear of contracting the virus.

Eventually we found out that transmission was very unlikely through contact but was spread by droplets expelled when exhaling. I remember reading about a community choir that gathered for a rehearsal and many members became ill and several died from covid. This was as we were just becoming to know that our breath was the primary means of transmission.

As we moved into summer the idea spread that the virus would go away with sunlight. And to some degree with people outside more there was less spreading than in closed spaces.

Then fall came with more fears of moving back indoors with colder days. That was a valid concern but covid numbers skyrocketed when the holidays arrived and people, tired of restrictions and desperate to see family traveled, engaged and spread the virus at an alarming rate.

The new year began, and the longed-for vaccines were rolled out. The oldest and most venerable were prioritized and a mad scramble to get an appointment for the shots began to crash websites. Scandals erupted with some using their influence to get bumped up the list for their shots. Eventually the vaccines became more plentiful, and all adults and teens were eligible. Soon only those who did not want to be vaccinated went without.

So, unless variants of covid 19 throws us back into another wave of infections we are going to be opening again. Begin by going out with a friend or family member to a favorite coffee shop or restaurant and notice how it feels being around others. Go at an off time of day so that the number of people there might be smaller. Enjoy going for a walk and not have a mask on. Revel in the fresh air and lack of a strap around your ears.

Take it slow and enjoy the blessings of a more normal life.