It can sometimes seem overwhelming, keeping up with all the latest orders and advisories that are issued as we all deal with the daunting task of protecting ourselves and others against the further spread of the COVID-19 virus.

And yet it must be recognized and acknowledged that this is an entirely fluid situation, a thing that is so new and maddeningly unpredictable that even the world’s foremost authorities on viral infections are still contending with the wild fluctuations of infections, even as so many are getting vaccinated.

So, we are still taking whatever measures we need to take in order to keep ourselves safe and as free from risk as possible. Social distancing and stay-at-home guidelines were the beginning. Now, as deadly variants of the virus are emerging, we are advised to wear masks or facial coverings whenever we gather in indoor spaces, whether vaccinated or not.

We are constantly adapting to the ups and downs of the situation as we go about our day to day lives. While we double down on vaccinations alongside the wearing of masks, we are also taking tiny steps towards returning to some semblance of normalcy as restaurants, bars, and other businesses that were once shuttered have reopened, all hoping to stay active through the remainder of the pandemic.

However frustrating it may be to keep masking up, it is still important to do so.

We must all remain flexible and adaptable to the ever-changing parameters of this crisis that we’re working through. We’ll get through this thing best by working together as a real community.