As I write this in May, 2021 we are finally seeing some progress in the fight against Covid-19, a pandemic which all but crippled our economy, and left 560,000+ Americans dead. Personally, I lost an uncle who was 94 and so looking forward to reaching 100. I have countless other family members who have gotten the virus, some with little to no symptoms and others very sick, on the verge of hospitalization. At least one has experienced symptoms 90+ days out and has been diagnosed with “long haulers”, a name given to those who continue to experience symptoms months later. They still don’t know what kind of lasting effect this disease will have on people.
In December, in record time, Pfizer approved for emergency use a vaccine, with Moderna following shortly after. Both require a booster shot a few weeks later, but there has been a promising effect. Sine then, Johnson and Johnson has come out with a one shot vaccine. First to be immunized were those on the front line (doctors, nurses, first responders) and nursing home patients and those living in assisted living facilities. By the end of January those over 65 with underlying conditions could sign up. Doug and I received our shots at the end of January, first of February. Late last month all states started offering shots to anyone over 16 who wants to get one. Key words, “who wants to get one”. We have now gone from those trying to get an appointment and having to wait or maneuver through a complicated process to get an appointment, to having left over vaccines at most sites due to vaccine hesitancy.
There have always been “anti-vaxers” whose minds you’ll never change, but I don’t understand the other group of people who either are afraid because it was approved so quickly, or who just don’t believe things are “that bad”. Even though science has shown that any risk (and it is minuscule) has been overwhelmingly outweighed by the benefits. And we will not conquer this battle without some form of herd immunity. Now with new, more dangerous variants it’s even more important to get vaccinated, for the greater good. Today they announced that Pfizer has approved vaccines for 12-16 year olds. Hopefully, now we can continue our quest to reach herd immunity.
The economy is still suffering. Now that restaurants are able to open more fully (still requiring masks and social distancing), they are finding that they cannot get the staff needed to reopen. Doug and I ran into a lot of restaurants on our May road trip that were closed, or closing early due to staffing issues. In March, Biden passed the American Rescue Act which included federal funding for additional unemployment benefits in addition to the state level plans. So now, those able to go back to work have a greater incentive to stay home and make more money. Several states are choosing to opt out of the federal plan and mandating that those collecting UI need to show they are actively seeking work.
I am thankful everyday that I am retired and have a pension as well as SS to get by, as well as Doug’s SS. Doug’s business has picked up a little but it has been slow. Currently, he is working to pay off earlier debt, and fortunately it is not needed for our household finances.
I see a light at the end of the tunnel. I pray that we have taken away some lessons from this experience. I pray that we are more prepared for something like this in our future. I pray that our leaders can provide a united front so that we can trust what they say. And most of all I pray that we make it out alive. I believe we are almost there.
