The Pandemic Isn't Over Just Because We're Over It

By guest blogger: Adam Brown

You may have seen this phrase or a catchy meme or song to the same effect circling around the interwebs lately; "the pandemic isn't over just because you're over it!" I actually heard it for the first time months ago. The fact is, as we approach the one year mark of this unprecedented worldwide pandemic, "pandemic fatigue" is all too real. But it seems like things are starting to get back to normal, right? Schools that have been only virtual or part time in person all year are preparing to go back to full time face to face instruction (many without the means to vaccinate their teachers, unfortunately). Thousands of people recently descended on the state capital to demand high school sports be allowed to resume. We're finally starting to see headlines of COVID numbers decreasing in Michigan. No matter where you stand ideologically in regards to lockdowns, business restrictions, vaccines, and mask mandates; I think we can all agree we are sick and tired of COVID! Sadly, SARS-CoV-2 doesn't care too much for our feelings on the matter, and even though it seems like things are starting to get back to normal, it's likely going to be a long road till we truly see the end of this pandemic. 

The Cove Lakeside Bistro has a truly unique experience with their outdoor dining. Photo via Mlive.

On February 1st dine-in services at restaurants have been resumed at limited capacity, but this is a good time to remember: just because you can, does that mean you should?  The other day while picking up take-out brunch from one of my local favorites, Crow's Nest, one of the servers I know personally brought my order out to the curbside for me and said that she had mixed feelings about the dining room reopening. Yes, the restaurant industry desperately needs the business, but the risk is still very real, and who knows how things will change if people start filling local bars and restaurants to capacity. Take-out is still a great option and a good way to support your favorite local restaurants without putting any of the staff and other patrons at risk. Some restaurants have also gotten very innovative with ways to stay warm while eating outdoors this winter! If you must dine-in, please be respectful of the situation, don't linger long at your table after your meal, keep you mask on until you are eating and put it back on when you are done, and for goodness' sake, TIP YOUR SERVERS GENEROUSLY!!! 

Here at KAW we are still continuing to offer our services to the community in the safest way possible. We are standing by the importance and effectiveness of PPE, and per recent public health guidelines we have even purchased new triple layered, reusable cloth masks for therapists to wear while working. We're also in line (metaphorically speaking) to get our vaccines as soon as possible, and we encourage you to do the same! You can continue help us stay safe by continuing to be patient, considerate, and honest with our staff when going through your pre-screening questionnaire; rescheduling your massage for a later date if you've recently gathered indoors with a group of ten or more people or if you're feeling even the slightest bit under the weather; and wearing your mask the entire time you're in the building (bonus points for multi-layered masks!). Even if you have already been vaccinated or had COVID and recovered from it, wearing a mask is still important since the data is not clear yet as to whether or not you can still spread the virus to others. A vaccine is to protect you, the mask is to protect others.

The vaccine is an important step toward normalcy, but not the end of PPE...yet. Photo copyright: Getty Images

The reality is, even after enough people have been vaccinated for our country to reach herd immunity status, there may still be the need to wear masks and take extra precautions long in the future. Don't lose hope, though. We will find our equilibrium, and if we support each other and follow the lead of our nation's health officials, we will thrive once again. Thank you again for your continued support of our staff and our business. Here's to what we can all do together to Be Better!