Vaccine eligibility offers a brighter future
How are we to explain that Connecticut, which a year ago was among the hardest-hit states by the first wave of COVID-19, again finds itself near the top of the list nationally for new infections? Whatever the reasons, the state is in real danger of letting down its guard too quickly, and in the process endangering people’s lives.
By many measures, Connecticut is on the path toward recovery. Vaccinations are being distributed as quickly as anywhere across the nation, and eligibility on Thursday increases to anyone over age 16, regardless of condition or profession. The more people are vaccinated, the faster life can return to some semblance of normalcy. But there is always risk of moving too fast, and it’s possible we’re making that mistake.
It’s understandable that people are tired of mask mandates and social distancing. It’s been a long year for everyone, more so for people with underlying health conditions that would make a COVID diagnosis more serious. But even as we take steps to mitigate the virus, the virus itself is changing, with new variants presenting changing risks that not even the experts understand yet.
And while the greatest risk continues to match closely with a patient’s age, new, worrying trends are developing at some Connecticut hospitals. Officials are reporting six pediatric patients in Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital with COVID-19, two of them in intensive care. Those levels haven’t been seen in a year in patients this young.
It’s important to make clear how much we don’t know and avoid jumping to conclusions. But we should be able to agree the pandemic is not over. Even as limits on gatherings are lifted and more people are venturing out, the risks are significant.
Again, people are tired of hearing about it. Acting as a public scold is a good way to get everyone to ignore you. But if the alternative is going on a ventilator, we should consider that a mask is not such a bad option.
The good news, along with the vaccination rates, is the weather, which is already allowing people the opportunity to gather outside more regularly. For those who simply can’t stand another weekend in their living rooms, the chance to see people in the relative safety of the outdoors is something that was dearly missed over the winter. With the flowers starting to bloom, that option is again in play.
But nothing is more important than the vaccine. Every adult in the state is eligible as of Thursday. That doesn’t mean everyone will have immediate access, but that day is coming. The system isn’t always easy to navigate, but it’s worth the time to keep making attempts. For people who aren’t as computer literate, find someone to help, or offer assistance to those who need it.
The future is brighter. The pandemic is going to end, and another wave of hospitalizations is not inevitable. But it will require more sacrifice, and some perseverance, right at a time when everyone has had just about enough of that.
Even as limits on gatherings are lifted and more people are venturing out, the risks are significant.