COVID-Let’s Cancel Season 3

RESIDENT'S COLUMN

by Jim Greer

LW contributor

In his recent stand-up special “Comedy Monster,” Jim Gaffigan asks, “Remember when we thought the pandemic was over? It’s not over. The pandemic is like a TV show you thought was canceled, and then it got picked up by Netflix. I didn’t really pace myself for another season.”

For the first time in human history, each of us has the chance to save the world by staying at home in front of our TVs, doing nothing. Let’s not screw this up! It isn’t easy remaining positive— just remain vigilant and keep your sense of humor.

Hanging on a wooden hook by my front door are the highestrated masks recommended by Wirecutter. I wear them while shopping, to church, at the fitness center, even to Disneyland. While waiting in lines at the Magic Kingdom, I keep my mask on, inside and outside of buildings. And since the Mouse House doesn’t check to see who has been vaccinated, I assume everyone around me is a likely Omicron carrier.

I’m living life the best I can, but also taking personal responsibility and not spreading the virus. Who knows whether I’m carrying the virus? I’ve been double vaccinated and boosted, and yet, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), I could still be a carrier. So I keep my mask on and keep my distance.

The Orange County Health Officer’s order says, “The mask should fit to minimize gaps between the face and mask. The mask should also fully cover the nose and mouth. If wearing a fabric face covering, three layers should be worn to offer better filtration.” A scarf over your face doesn’t cut it, a mask that only covers your mouth doesn’t protect anyone, and a mask on your chin is just bad fashion sense.

Do you wonder just how safe it is in restaurants? I don’t know why we wear a mask going in, then take it off as soon as we’re seated. I love to be with my friends, but sitting shoulder-to-shoulder without a mask doesn’t guarantee one of us won’t pass the virus to the other. Let’s keep our distance, shall we? And when you’re at a birthday party, don’t eat any cake on which the candles had just been blown out.

Since it’s up to each of us to do our part, we need to ask, “What can I do as an individual to protect myself, my friends and my family?” According to the CDC, “Vaccines remain the best public health measure to protect people from COVID-19, slow transmission, and reduce the likelihood of new variants emerging.”

It also recommends everyone get a booster shot after completing their primary COVID-19 vaccination series. Everyone should wear a mask in public indoor settings in areas of substantial or high community transmission, regardless of vaccination status. And, of course, tests can tell you if you are currently infected with COVID-19.

Beware of misinformation. It’s intended to confuse and create fear. Don’t be swayed by rumors of cures or stories of individuals who have achieved immunity. The best thing you can do is to avoid transmission and remain calm. Trust your local county and state health officials, and follow the CDC’s recommended guidelines.

Let’s make sure this third season of COVID gets canceled—for good!