Today fear was softened. Among the death and sadness the virus has also inoculated our culture with fear; the fear of the unknown, of uncertainty toward our future, the fear of each other. But today the fear was softened as I received the COVID vaccine.
I received the Pfizer vaccine and my next dose is 12 weeks. England wants to vaccinate as many people first before giving out the second dose, the greater good. Studies have shown after the first dose you have 70% immunity and there is no harm in waiting for the additional dose.
This past week I cared for many young patients with respiratory illness or other unique symptoms that now fall under the COVID umbrella. I witnessed the rise in numbers first hand as the mutation spread in our community. We are no longer in Tier 4, we are in full blown lockdown and are only allowed out for essentials. No more alcohol takeaways. Alvin is once again at home doing remote learning. Gary and Alvin learned about the Ice Age and European geography today at “school.”
COVID has permanently altered society. Words like lockdown, essential (key workers here), or PPE now have more meaning. I wonder in the aftermath what will stay and what will go. Masks, will we continue to use them when sick? I hope so, I hope this does not change but I can do without the fear. I hope we can overcome the isolation, stresses and disconnection from one another. As a friend reminded me often during the pandemic “this is not normal, give yourself grace.” Today I felt the grace, I felt the hope, here’s to tomorrow.