Its been almost eight months since I first heard rumblings of what would become theCOVID-19 pandemic.
For a few weeks after multiple states started reopening, it looked like we might be okay.
Cases had plateaued in many areas; hospitals had not been overwhelmed in most states.
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There was an attitude, for a time, emphasizing thatwe were all in this together.
Unfortunately, it feels like much of that has come crashing down in the past month.
Still, we cant give up right now.
Im an epidemiologist, and I spoke with two other public health experts for this piece.
On the one hand, delaying these case levels from April/May to July is a success, Murray says.
Doing so did offer us enough leeway to flatten the curve for a short time.
As a result, some states started reopening before meeting these guidelines.
We are now seeing cases surging to their highest recorded levels in many areas throughout the country.
Put it this way: You might be tired of living this way, but the virus doesnt care.
Shutdowns have the potential to harm the economy.
Millions of people have lost their jobs and, with that,health insurancein some instances.
Its not surprising that, more than anything else, many people just want a return to normal.
Murray and May both tell me theyre tired of this too.
But its still our collective behavior that determines the trajectory of this epidemic.
Just because something is allowed does not necessarily mean that it is safe, May says.
Its best if people avoid engaging in activities that are enjoyable but not truly necessary when alternatives are available.
As the adage goes, the only way out is through.
We have to continue to behave as if were in the midst of the pandemic, because we are.
Ignoring it doesnt make it go away.
The best advice is still what it was in March, notes Murray.
Theres a lot that we cant control about this virus.
But we can control how diligent we are about following these recommendations.
The more we adhere to guidelines, the sooner we can move past this crisis, May says.
