[Choir] covid thoughts

[Donia Prince]

Hi everyone,

I sense that there is some nervousness afoot among some about the current
state of covid, specifically regarding the choir.  I wanted to offer a few
thoughts from my perspective.

First of all, no one should feel obligated in any way to attend choir if
they are uncomfortable doing so.

Second, I'd like to put this current uptick in some perspective.  I think
it (the uptick) may have felt particularly concerning both because when
Omicron subsided I think we all felt like and hoped that maybe we could get
back to some semblance of normal, so when the uptick happened it felt
particularly disappointing and anxiety producing.  Second, some cases
seemed to be a bit closer to home.

However, if we look in the larger perspective, the current state of cases
in Washington county is similar to what they were for all of last fall.
I've attached a screen shot from the VT Dept of Health website which shows
that.  (The chart in the center is just for Washington County. The total
case number is all of Vermont today)  And, following precautions, we were
fine all of last fall.

I truly do feel that by following basic precautions we are safe (although
of course no guarantee of being entirely risk-free.)  We are vaccinated,
and we know that vaccinated people have a very short window of being
infectious even if they do get covid.  The uptick in cases now is very
likely largely due both to the new variant, and even more, to more people
moving quickly "back to normal".  If we continue to be abnormal ;), with
our common sense and scientifically-sound precautions there should be no
reason for any extra concern.

I would not do anything to put our choir in danger, and I know that I too
have felt some of that heightened anxiety lately.  But I am feeling good
about our safety going forward.  And look forward to the day when we can
once again sing without this cloud hanging over us.  It WILL come!

See you tomorrow!
Donia
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