Setting aside special hours to encourage masking and social distancing

By now most of us have heard this new term, “the new normal.” But what does this even mean?

According to Wikipedia, “A new normal is a state to which an economy, society, etc. settles following a crisis when this differs from the situation that prevailed prior to the start of the crisis.”

We have just entered our third year of navigating life with COVID19, and all the challenges and impacts that have arisen from a pandemic. We have had to pivot, adapt and learn to be resilient. Some of us have lost loved ones, our jobs or businesses, life celebrations, and many other aspects of the life we knew “pre-pandemic” as normalcy. We all have dealt with the COVID surges, supply chain challenges, staffing shortages, health & wellness, inflation, and just trying to keep going day-today.

Though we have endured this pandemic together, some of our individual experiences differ from one another. We have faced many of the same issues, and have come together to help with solutions, and have made it out the other side. We have now entered the endemic stage of recovery.

As we navigate the way ahead, we must continue to be mindful of our most vulnerable community members. There are pockets of our population who are at risk for complications if they were to become infected with the COVID19 virus and its variants. We encourage Taos community businesses and organizations to set aside special hours in which masks and social distancing are encouraged, so that our most vulnerable community members can continue to feel safe when they support local businesses.

This recommendation comes from the Taos Community Medical COVID Task Force, with the recognition that universal masking in public settings remains a very effective strategy to minimize the risk of viral spread, and that mental health issues — due to continued isolation — are significant for medically-vulnerable community members at this point in the pandemic.

With spring right around the corner, we have renewed hope for better days ahead. Taos community organizations and businesses are open and ready for your visit. Events are coming back, such as Taos favorites: Taos Plaza Live, Fiestas de Taos, concerts in Kit Carson Park, Taos Lilac Festival, sports events, arts & culture events and so much more to look forward to in 2022!

The Taos County Chamber of Commerce has seen our community members step up, roll back their sleeves and do the work, especially when life gets challenging. Our board of directors and staff would like to thank our chamber members, the EC-COAD partners, Taos Community Medical Covid Task Force, health care workers, first responders, community partners, educators and school staff, local businesses and nonprofits, families, friends and, most importantly, you, for showing up and all that you do in our community.

The Taos County Chamber of Commerce is here for our businesses, nonprofits, and you, our community members. Our hearts are fully engaged as we develop programs for our future with members and the greater Taos community.

For more information about the Taos Community Medical Task Force, please visit taoscovidtaskforce.com, and for information about the Taos County Chamber of Commerce, please visit taoschamber.com.