Are We Ready?

We've waited almost 2 years to ditch our masks, to breathe the air freely without any obstructions either indoors or out, but do we really feel ready?

Two years ago today, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared COVID-19 to be a global pandemic, and overnight we had to adjust to a new normal--if we weren't at home we had to wear masks practically everywhere in order to protect ourselves and others from contracting the virus. It was difficult to get used to breathing with something over our faces and dealing with sore ears from mask loops, but get used to masks we did.

Now after 2 years of wearing masks to the store, to work, to the gym, to school, and almost everywhere else, COVID-19 cases have gone down in Washington state to the point at which a mask mandate no longer seems necessary. Will it be odd, though, after the abnormal had become the normal, to go back to being mask-free again?

As the base is following CDC and DoD guidance, most places here (including the library) no longer require masks worn indoors as of March 1. Since then, many of our patrons have been coming in without masks, remarking how strange it feels to not wear a mask or to see the other half of people's faces. Some newer patrons who arrived on base during the pandemic have told me they're now seeing my entire face for the first time.

There are some who continue to wear masks for different reasons, but overall, most people coming into the library are ready to unmask. You can sense that the atmosphere has become a little lighter than before.

Wishing you good health and better times from the perch.