We have been on a roller coaster the past two years with different recommendations on how to best keep ourselves and our loved ones safe during this global pandemic. Recommendations from the CDC have changed again, and more people are becoming comfortable with ditching the masks.
CDC Recommendations
Mask recommendations from the CDC depend on the level of COVID-19 currently being spread in your county.
If the COVID-19 level in your county is low, mask wearing is now at your personal preference and the risk level you are comfortable with.
If the COVID-19 level in your county is medium, mask wearing may be recommended for people with health conditions that put them at a higher risk for severe illness, including:
- Being immunocompromised
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Cystic fibrosis
- Dementia or Alzheimer's
- Diabetes, Type 1 and Type 2
- Disabilities (such as ADHD, cerebral palsy, spinal cord injuries, Down syndrome, and more)
- Heart conditions
- HIV infection
- Mental health conditions
- Overweight and obesity
- Physical inactivity
- Pregnancy
- Sickle cell disease or Thalassemia
- Smoking (current or former)
- Solid organ or blood stem cell transplant
- Stroke or cerebrovascular disease
- Substance use disorders
- Tuberculosis
If your condition is listed, talk to your healthcare provider to see if they recommend that you continue to mask to avoid complications.
If the COVID-19 level in your county is high, it is recommended that everyone wear a mask indoors when in public, regardless of vaccination status or risk level.
Choosing to Not Wear a Mask
If you choose to not wear a mask, know that some people may feel uncomfortable around you. Try not to take this personally. They may love you as a person but are trying to keep themselves or their loved ones safe.
They may have a loved one who died from COVID. They may have someone in their house with an underlying condition that you don't know about. They may just be cautious and feel like they are doing their part to make the world a little safer for those around them. You don't know their reasons unless you have an open dialogue with an open mind.
If you have a conversation with them about it, remember to approach the conversation with love and a hope of understanding, rather than trying to prove them wrong or getting defensive.
Choosing to Wear a Mask
If you choose to wear a mask, you might soon find yourself in the minority.
If people around you question your status with masking, you can simply say that it is important to you. If you feel so inclined, you can also share why you have chosen to make masking an ongoing priority. The other people may not agree with your reasons, and they don't have to. You get to choose what makes sense for you, your situation, and your risk level.
If the people in your life give you a hard time about it or don't let it go, you can set clear boundaries with them. "I am only comfortable going out if I am masked," is perfectly reasonable. If teasing ensues or they don't let it go, you can let them know that you don't feel heard and that just as you are respecting their decision not to mask, you would appreciate that they respect your decision to mask.
Choosing to Social Distance
As social distance restrictions are lifted, too, some people are eager to gather everyone they love together in a large group hug. Not everyone has reached that comfort level. If you choose to host a gathering or get-together, respect people's decisions to continue social distancing if they wish. Even before 2020 crowds and large gatherings were notorious for spreading unwelcome germs.
If you have someone in your life that you haven't been able to see in person and who isn't comfortable with that yet, reach out in other ways. Video chats, phone calls, video messaging, and texts make it easy to keep in touch without leaving your personal space.
You might be the one still uncomfortable with in-person get-togethers. You don't need to wait for others to reach out to you. You can initiate a time to catch up via technology.
COVID-19 and Sorority Activities
We have all become very resilient to changes these past two years, with everything from education to religious ceremonies being broadcast virtually. Sorority activities and events have not been exceptions. For the past two years chapters have made adaptations in order to continue their mission of service to the community and sisterhood among their members by making some activities and events virtual and others socially distanced.
During a time when we have all been isolated, connection and community are especially important. Whether you choose to connect with sorors on camera in a virtual setting or in person, do so styling your Delta Sigma Theta apparel. Repping your letters is another way to make that sisterly connection without having to say a word.
As the world heads into another phase of functioning with COVID-19, let’s remember to treat each other with respect. We may not understand the reasons everyone chooses what they do. And that is okay because we don't have to agree with everyone. But treating everyone with respect and dignity, especially when we disagree, is a way to make this world a better place.