WORD ON THE STREET People share thoughts on pandemic and 2021

With less than a week left in the year 2020, we asked members of the public from around the area for their thoughts about the COVID-19 pandemic and their feelings about coming of a whole new year.

Here’s what some had to say:

Gary Underhill, Yuba City

Q: In your opinion what is the state of the pandemic?

A: Why are we running from this? It’s a flu. The (COVID) restrictions, in my mind, aren’t doing what the state officials had believed they would accomplish. Masks only make people feel good psychologically. The only mask that works is the N95.

Q: What will happen in 2021 regarding COVID-19?

A: I believe most will take the vaccine (when it is made available). I will not because I am healthy. There are certain groups that need it, but for most it is for purely psychological reasons to make people feel like we’re getting back to normal. I want to see state officials switch their game plans to focus on the other repercussions from the pandemic. Like, for instance, the financial aspect, mental health, domestic and drug abuse, which the stats say have all gone up since the beginning of the pandemic.

Christian Salas, Olivehurst

Q: In your opinion what is the state of the pandemic?

A: The pandemic is not going well, schools are closed, jobs are lost.

Q: What will happen in 2021 regarding COVID-19?

A: As a freshman at Wheatland High School I want to see schools reopen and get everything organized. It’s easier to learn inperson than online.

Robin Demma, Yuba City

Q: In your opinion what is the state of the pandemic?

A: I am mostly disappointed in the response, it’s something that could have been done better locally. I am just trying to do my part so I am not part of the problem.

Q: What will happen in 2021 regarding COVID-19?

A: Hopefully 2021 will be better with the vaccine and education to prevent the spread of the virus.