We know how to celebrate safely, but will we?

Anyone else caught between wanting to run away screaming and obsessively tuning in for the latest updates every time a new COVID-19 development happens? Since news is sort of our thing, we tend to err on the “obsessively tuning in” side, but definitely understand wanting to block out all mentions of the words COVID, delta, pandemic — and certainly “omicron” — going into what should be a celebratory season filled with family get-togethers, thoughtful gift-giving and a reflection of our 2021 milestones. Nevertheless, the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes COVID-19 is still with us — still infecting around 700 Clark County residents each week, still killing more than 1,000 Americans every single day, still mutating in its attempt to evade our natural and vaccine-induced antibodies. Living through what is now the deadliest pandemic in U.S. history is taking a physical, emotional and mental toll on all of us. And, as we’ve said so many times in this editorial space, it will take all of us to overcome it. We know how to slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce its transmission in our community. Studies have proven time and time again that a few mitigations — wearing a proper mask (preferably an N95, but definitely not a face shield or a bandana) over our noses and mouths; keeping our distance from each other in public (at least 6 feet is still the recommendation); properly ventilating indoor spaces; and getting vaccinated for COVID-19 — will slow the virus’ spread and could help us avoid another spike in hospitalizations, deaths and cases that could turn into long-term health complications for thousands of our neighbors if the recently discovered omicron variant proves to be as much, or more, of a menace as the delta variant. The new variant was discovered in California this week and, though more research is needed, has already shown signs that it could be the most infectious COVID variant we’ve seen and could pose a risk of reinfecting those who have already had COVID-19 and still have naturally acquired antibodies. We are all sick and tired of COVID. But we cannot afford to let our guard down like we have so many times before during the past two years because even one more person in our community who dies of this mostly preventable illness is too many. And if the studies showing that up to half of those infected with the delta variant are suffering long-term negative health effects — including chronic fatigue, fevers, muscle pain, “brain fog” and other mental health issues and cardiovascular problems — hold true, that means this virus could have long-term impacts for more than 300 Clark County residents infected with this virus every single week. If you think the worker shortage is bad now, consider what could happen over the next year if we cannot bring ourselves to abide by the mitigations that prevent the spread of COVID, especially considering the fact that, in Clark County, highest rates of COVID right now are among those in their 20s, 30s and 40s, in the prime of their working and parenting years. What happens if half of these folks suffer from brain fog, depression, chronic fevers or overwhelming fatigue for however long “long haul” COVID might last? We are coming into the holiday event season in Camas and Washougal. The Washougal Lighted Christmas Parade is set for Thursday, Dec. 2. The Camas Hometown Holidays kicks off at 5 p.m. Friday, Dec. 3. Both of these events draw hundreds of participants to the streets of downtown Washougal and downtown Camas. And even though they are being held outdoors, which has been shown to be safer when it comes to COVID transmission, we know the delta variant can still spread easily when people are breathing each other’s air. That’s why the state has mandated masks for everyone over the age of 5 (with masks still recommended for children ages 2 to 4) in crowded outdoor venues or when physical distancing of at least 6 feet cannot be maintained outdoors. Both of those situations will apply to the holiday events in Camas and Washougal. The city of Camas has listed “health & safety” precautions first in its list of information about the Dec. 3 Hometown Holidays. People will be required to wear face coverings but, as we’ve seen throughout this entire pandemic, there will be no penalties or ramifications for the people who blatantly disregard mandates made to protect all of us from a virus that has now killed more than 700,000 Americans. The only thing we can hope for is that these folks will soon grow as weary of this pandemic as the rest of us and finally want to do everything they can to prevent the spread of COVID in their community.

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