To Be or Not to Be…That is the question

“To Be or Not To Be.” This is probably one of the most well-known of Shakespeare’s monologues. In fact, it may be the most famous in all literature. And, while we know as he uttered these words Hamlet was contemplating some pretty dark subjects, a deeper review of the “nunnery scene” suggests he was asking a larger question: Is it easier to passively deal with the discomfort in life or take drastic measures to avoid it? The doubt, confusion, and eventual madness that ensued remind me of where we stand with the pandemic.

Speaking in this manner indicated Hamlet was weighing the facts of each side of the question in order to make an informed decision. To a similar degree, many of us have taken this same approach to addressing the pandemic. To be wearing face coverings, or not to be wearing them? Are they effective? Should we remain socially distant? Or, can we meet in-person? Does it really make a difference? Should we get the vaccine? Is it really effective?  There is so much information being disseminated. How do we find the answers? How should we travel down this pandemic path, passively or actively?

Generally, it is not advisable to walk down the middle of a path, lest we end up suffering the same experience as that panicky squirrel that darts on to the road in front of your car. However, when looking at how to face the pandemic, our experiences have taught us we can be both passive and active. The definition of passive includes “accepting or allowing what happens or what others do, without active response or resistance.” And, while we may choose to wear a mask, we have little to say about what others do. So, walking through the grocery store may require us to be passive, resisting the urge to instruct other shoppers on the proper wear of face coverings. Conversely, if you choose not to wear a face covering, consider this same passive approach and understanding there may be other factors of which we are not aware. The key is being informed and making the best decision for each of us as individuals.

So, to be or not to be wearing face coverings. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) offers that masks protect both the wearer and those with whom he or she comes into contact. Additionally, a National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) study has shown wearing a cotton face covering increases filtration efficiency by an average of 33 percent. In simple terms, humidity (small water droplets) from our breath saturates the cotton and expands, making it more difficult to pass through the cotton fabric. For those on the other side of the path, face coverings can make breathing difficult for some people. Of course, wearing them for long periods of time can be stressful and affect a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

When used in conjunction with social distancing, both the wearer and others can increase their safety perimeter. But, what exactly is social distancing? According to the CDC, it is increasing the physical space between two people, or groups of people. Generally, this distance is six feet. But, when possible, more is better. Of course, some times, physical distancing is not possible. In my line of work as a career firefighter, when we cannot achieve distance between ourselves and a particular hazard, we also institute time and shielding requirements. Sound familiar? Limit the time you spend with co-workers, family, friends, and the cashier at the check-out counter. Take advantage of touch free services. Continue to use engineering controls to alter your workspace or set-up. If you are able, keep the area where you work and live well-ventilated, particularly as the weather changes. Open a window. Turn on a fan. And, always be mindful of personal hygiene by washing your hands, using hand sanitizer, and sneezing into your elbow.

This week, we reached the one year mark since the pandemic began to heap doubt and confusion into our lives. In the latter months of 2020, we heard of the potential for vaccine development and approval. As we know, that occurred and multiple vaccines are now available. Being vaccinated has been reported to be highly effective at preventing COVID-19. Each version has been cautiously assessed and only “authorized or approved [by the CDC] only if they make it substantially less likely you’ll get COVID-19.” Furthermore, should you contract the virus; vaccination may also prevent you from becoming “seriously ill.” As with all vaccinations and medications, you may experience side effects. And, they will vary from person to person.

One of the biggest benefits to being fully vaccinated is being able to resume a path to normal participation in some activities. This week, the CDC released updated guidance about some of those activities. Pennsylvania has also published amended guidance to align with the CDC. Being fully vaccinated means either two weeks have passed since you received the second dose in a two-dose series, such as the Pfizer or Moderna vaccines, or two weeks has passed since you received a single-dose vaccine, such as Johnson & Johnson’s Janssen vaccine. Refer to your vaccination card to find out which vaccination you received.

According to the most recent updates from the CDC and Pennsylvania, fully vaccinated individuals can gather indoors with fully vaccinated people without wearing a mask. You can also gather indoors with unvaccinated people from one other household without masks, such as when you visit relatives who all live together unless any of those people or anyone they live with has an increased risk for severe illness from COVID-19. Additionally, if you have been fully vaccinated and you have been in contact with someone who has COVID-19, “you do not need to stay away from others or get tested unless you have symptoms.” 

As we approach Easter and consider traveling down this path, keep in mind it is still important to protect yourself and others by wearing masks, maintaining social distance, avoiding crowds when in public, and actively taking other precautions suggested by the CDC. Be mindful of the health and well-being of your congregations, families, and communities. Remember we are still learning about COVID-19. We do know that taking precautions helps to stop the spread. We understand that vaccines are effective at preventing COVID-19, severe illness, and death. But, we are still learning exactly how effective they are. And, we are still trying to determine their efficacy against the variants.

In his letter to the Conference on February 2, Bishop Park acknowledged our patience during a difficult year and applauded our creativity to “offer worship, compassionate ministry, and faith-formation ministries.” He commended us for exercising a great deal of discernment and prayerful consideration as you planned for the future. And, while we have seen success in maintaining low positivity rates, we still have work to do. As of this week, Pennsylvania’s rate of positivity was holding steady around 6.5 percent. However, some counties are seeing their respective numbers increase, with rates between 9 and 14 percent. As we continue to learn about COVID-19 and the new variants, it is important we continue to be faithful as we plan our next steps. Use the information and resources that were attached to the Bishop’s letter to assist you.

In Shakespeare’s monologue, Hamlet struggles with doubt and the quandaries of his circumstances. Psalm 32: 6-8 tells us God will protect us from trouble, provide us with instruction and deliverance, and counsel us with love. As we contemplate traveling down our own paths, personal or pandemic related, we can find reassurance in the promise that our Heavenly Father is with us. This allows us to find answers to the questions we face by simply keeping our eyes focused on Him. Be Christ-like in your approach. Be informed. And, be safe.

Doug Hoy
Disaster Response Coordinator
drc@susumc.org 717-766-7441 ext. 3402