Connect and Protect

You can be here! A series that captures the duality of our thinking.

The fifth post in this series is a reflection on the controversy of masking up during a pandemic. The idea that wearing a mask hinders the ability to connect with friends and family. The idea that relationships cannot be formed or strengthened when practicing cautious social behavior.

This comes after the announcement by the CDC this week that, even for vaccinated individuals, masking in indoor settings (if you live in a high transmission region) is strongly encouraged. Given that the country is seeing transmission rates increasing in nearly every state, this applies to most of us already and likely will apply to all of us in the near future. This news is not what we want to hear because it indicates that we’re taking a step backwards. Even those who have taken the opportunity to do their part and get vaccinated are now being asked to wear a mask again.

I’m here to tell you that you absolutely can connect with your friends and family while protecting them. It’s not one or the other. Get creative! This isn’t another lockdown where social engagement was at it’s most challenging. Even during that time humanity found countless ways to connect virtually with one another. All that’s being asked is that you keep your spit to yourself. If you’re vaccinated run your errands, visit your friends, make that dinner, go on that date. But do it cautiously. Wear your mask while indoors, practice social distancing when in large groups, and make smart decisions about traveling. If you haven’t yet gotten vaccinated, please do! It’s the absolute best way to protect those around you.

Connect AND Protect! You can be here! We can do hard things, right?