I Really Don’t Want To, But…
I really don’t want to, but I am digging my masks back out. Like many of you, I am fully vaccinated. I am confident that I am safe. If not quite as protected from contracting COVID-19 as I felt a few weeks ago, I am confident that I am safe from becoming dangerously ill. If that is the case, why am I digging out my masks?
I am sure you have already heard many of these reasons, but here they are.
The Delta variant is much more contagious than previous mutations and may lead to more severe illness.
There are several cases of vaccinated folks contracting and shedding the Delta variant.
The Delta variant appears to pose a significant, dangerous health risk to those of us who are immuno-compromised, whether it is due to a particular health treatment or medical condition, even if vaccinated.
COVID cases are becoming more prevalent and more dangerous among younger folks. (Vaccination rates are very high among older folks).
Emergency vaccination is not yet approved for many of our school aged children.
68 cases of COVID were identified in Oconee County the last week of July, up from 25 the week before. (CovidActNow.org)
COVID hospitalizations in Georgia rose from 1,596 on Monday, July 26, to 2,416 on Saturday, July 31. (CovidActNow.org)
I am afraid I could find more, but that is all that my head can hold at the moment. In short, it is time to once again, think about those around me, especially those who are more vulnerable than me. So, even though I really don’t want to, I am digging my masks back out.
Union's regathering policy currently remains the same, but we are monitoring the situation closely and will update our mask and distancing protocols as needed.
Before I sign off, I want to point out that not all of the news is bad. I give thanks for the continuing good news.
Vaccines offer a very high level of protection, even for the Delta variant, for the vast majority of people.
Vaccines offer an extremely high level of protection against hospitalization, even for the Delta variant, for most people.
Union Christian Church, sometimes I feel like a broken record when I say again how much you love and lookout for one another, the local community, and all of God’s creation. I keep saying it, because you keep showing it over and over again. I give thanks for you, and your commitment to the needs of the whole community. You inspire me and give me hope. May we continue to promote the healing of our community and all of creation in all that we say and all that we do.
Grace and Peace,
Pastor Alan