Dear Journal:
Per the CDC updated recommendations for vaccinated adults, my girlfriends and I got together for a non-masked birthday brunch, and get this — we hugged. Yes, it was great. Long, so long, uber-awkward hugs all around. It was the best thing ever.
I did love it, but you have to admit, the change in recommendations brings up a lot of questions, some of which I care about more than others. My first concern, like any parent, is for my kids. They’re 6 and 8, so they can’t get vaccinated yet. They are still wearing masks in public and on the playground, though their little friends often aren’t. I don’t want to get in an argument with other parents. Yes, we may be outside, but there is no way to let kids play together while enforcing six feet of distance, so mine are gonna wear masks. It’s not as strict as we were at the beginning of all this, but at least it’s a layer of protection. Other parents will make their own choice.
By this time, my kids are used to the masks and don’t have a problem wearing one. However, now adults are eschewing masks with abandon, and it’s the honor system as to whether they’re actually vaccinated. Call me a cynic, but I have a feeling some people may not tell the truth on this. And it sends a really mixed message to young kids. Adults don’t have to wear masks anymore, but you do. Finger wag.
It’s my job as a mom to set a good example for my kids, so I’m still wearing masks in public. Besides my cynicism, I still see people (people I know!) posting stuff online like: “an article I read on the internet said masks don’t work, so my family and I only wear them when we’re forced to” and “my family got covid which proves masks don’t work” and “vaccinated people can still get and spread covid, so what’s the point?” I believe these were all posted by the same person.
Ahem, the point is that studies show vaccinated people can still get covid, yes. But they contract and spread it at much lower rates. The vast majority of experts and credible studies show that masks do work. And I’m tired of people pretending to be immunologists because they’ve read a few online articles from questionable sources. I could find an article somewhere that says “pigs really can fly!” but if I believed it, well that would be on me.
Song of the day: Stronger, Kelly Clarkson
Karen Harris Tully is a novelist living in Raymond with her husband and two small children. She writes sci-fi/fantasy for teens and adults and can be found at www.karenharristully.com.
