Many are looking for answers and guidance during this period of the pandemic. Cases and deaths are decreasing and restrictions are being lifted. But it’s not over yet. Nor can we ignore the enormity of what this virus has done. In the U.S. alone, there have been 986,000 deaths. Individuals, businesses and the government are all trying to find answers to balancing the optimism of wanting and appreciating a return to normal while being cautious and monitoring the continuous threat of this virus.
With hopes of not sounding pessimistic, much damage has been done and long-term effects of the pandemic are just being realized. But we are in a much better place to cope with surges of variants. Despite the unpredictability of this virus, we have researched and learned. We have built up some immunity naturally and through vaccination.
The World Health Organization reports declining cases and deaths but also concedes the inaccuracy due to decreased testing and surveillance. They are monitoring new sub-variants and state “there is no cause for alarm.” They also state the pandemic isn’t over and more concerning variants are possible. Vaccines are still effective in preventing serious illness and death.
