Despite Idaho being moved back to Stage 2, and the insurmountable death toll that is rising every day, residents of Moscow appear to be taking COVID measures even less seriously than before.
Many restaurants and small businesses do not appear to be adhering to the social distancing rules. I was dining at a popular restaurant in town this weekend when I noticed they kept filling tables near our area, squishing customers closer and closer together, resembling the basement of a fraternity. For multiple reasons, this is concerning.
Although small businesses have taken the hardest hit from COVID, it is hardly an excuse to put customers in danger and ignore the same protocols they promised to adhere to. I am not saying to avoid Moscow’s small businesses and restaurants because of this; it is crucial that we help them stay in business. However, we must proceed with caution when roaming around town and always consider ordering take out from a restaurant instead.
Vaccines are still in their initial stages of distribution and will not be available to the public until spring. That feels like forever but think of it as a reminder to keep up our good work; hope is on the way. It will not be an easy journey, but it is up to us to keep our cases down until then.
With the arrival of a new semester, changes with COVID-19 testing have arrived, as well. The Gritman testing team has improved their timing and results tremendously, with results coming back within 24 hours. They also appear to be doing different tests, using different swiping methods as compared to last semester.
Going into my fourth semester at University of Idaho, and my third of adapting to online learning, I am longing to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I am looking forward to football games, school activities, and no longer having to worry about terrible Wi-Fi when zooming in for a lecture.
We are tired. We all want to interact with each other again, and cease worrying about putting our loved ones at risk. However, being “done” with a virus will not stop it. We need to prioritize our safety and not reset all of our hard work. We have been fortunate to stay at a university that remains open, and offers Hyflex classes, contrary to many schools who have shut down completely.
With the looming uncertainty of spring break, and the COVID-19 vaccines that are yet to be distributed, the end is still not in sight, but it is in our reach. It is up to us to make the final push.
Dani Moore can be reached at [email protected].