OPINION: We have forgotten about COVID-19

The new fall semester has started in what feels like a totally different world than it was one year ago. This time last year was still structured with plenty of Zoom calls, social distancing, COVID-19 protocols and, of course, mask mandates. But as we all settle back into the day-to-day here in Moscow, COVID-19 and all of its surrounding facets almost seem like a taboo subject. The pandemic seems to have disappeared; the only traces left being the large amount hand sanitizer stations around campus. With an incoming freshman class so large we ran out of space to house them; I can’t help but wonder if we moved on too fast from this pandemic. 

If we look purely at case numbers, we’re definitely in a better position than we were at the start of last year. At this time in 2021 we saw a huge spike in case numbers nationwide as we all went back to school. Even in Idaho which had reported some of the lowest COVID-19 numbers, we were seeing spikes across the state, especially in Moscow.  

If you look at CDC reports now, Latah County is categorized as low in terms of cases. Though several other counties, especially ones bordering Washington and Oregon, are still labeled as having medium to high amounts of COVID-19 cases.  

So, it’s obviously clear that all the way from a national to local level, the pandemic is nowhere near what it used to be. But does that mean we can totally forget about it?  

It’s clear that vaccination is the best way to stop COVID-19. Last year the university had vaccine incentive programs in place, offering Vandal Store gift cards and tuition giveaways to motivate students to get vaccinated.  

Now compare that to this year, where students received a single email about COVID-19 protocols that mentions vaccines are available statewide, and that’s it. Students have the resources and means for vaccination, just without the same convenience of on campus clinics or the great motivation from the university.  

Even for those who are vaccinated and boosted, there’s no guarantee you won’t ever get COVID-19. Your risk is greatly reduced and if you do get it, it’s more likely to be less intense, but you aren’t 100 percent safe. Additionally, you still pose a threat for spreading COVID-19 further, especially to at-risk groups like the elderly who COVID-19 will most likely affect far worse.  

I’m not saying we need to go back to how everything was last year. Moving past this pandemic and all the terrible things it brought is, of course, an amazing goal the whole nation strives for, but it will only work when it is done safely and smartly. As everyone goes back to school across the country with almost no restrictions as we continue to find new variants, I think it’s important to remember the last few years, and everything we had to go through. 

Tracy Mullinax can be reached at [email protected]