Who Is This For?

I’ve been back in the classroom the past two weeks, albeit on a mixed, online / in-person basis.  I’m pleased to report that mask compliance is 100%.  Can’t vouch for the vaccination rate, though, since until a few days ago we were on the honor system. 

I continue to be amazed at the news reports of confrontations over mask mandates and the willful ignorance of governors Greg Abbott and Ron DeSantis when it comes to the health of the citizens they purport to serve.  The Delta variant surge, particularly prevalent among the unvaccinated, should by now have put the fear of God in the most trenchant skeptics. 

For my part, I have gradually been easing myself into something resembling normal life since May.  I never bought into the Hot Vax Summer hype, and my public forays have been characterized by an abundance of caution.  Over the past months I’ve resumed routine, taken for granted activities such as grocery shopping, regular haircuts, and the occasional restaurant meal.  I even went to a concert a few weeks ago.  The difference is that I masked whenever required, washed my hands scrupulously, and, most importantly, waited a least a week at home before venturing out again. 

That is not an option for me anymore now that my on-campus presence is required at least two days a week between now until mid-December.  My nervousness aside, I look forward to normal.  But the mask and vaccine refusal problem pose a direct threat to reopening.  Although the loudest voices opposing COVID-related public health measures claimed they want reopening to happen sooner than later in the interest of the small-business economy, the resisters have actually prolonged the crisis.  Part of me wants to shrug my shoulders and chalk it up to Darwin but there are still people whose welfare is at risk. 

I’m referring to those who cannot or are not eligible to be vaccinated.  Amongst the hysteria surrounding the return to the classroom we hear from parents saying they won’t vaccinate their kids after its authorized for them because children can’t get COVID.  (They most certainly can.)  Anti-vaxxer stupidity was just one more bit of irrationality to scoff at before the pandemic, but being that we are in the midst of the worst public health crisis in a century it’s downright anger-inducing.  Confrontations over campus mask mandates still make the news.  COVID woo is still reeling people in; last year the CDC reported 4% of those asked had ingested bleach as a prophylactic measure.  I wouldn’t be surprised if this is still going on. 

Just once, I wish level heads would prevail.  But irrationality knows few bounds in this culture, and the adults seem to have left the room.  As the coronavirus spreads and mutates on account of this irrationality, the crisis will go on and the damage will mount.  The light can be seen at the end of tunnel.  We just have to walk in the right direction.

 

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