https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:46:35 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2234350 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 03:55:05 +0000 Carla 2234350@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>When I visited my mother (living in an apartment) last week, we went to see her 95yo husband (not my dad - but a wonderful man) who is in long term care. &nbsp;Even though we were double vaxed, and had our temperature taken (normal) Mom and I still had to undergo a Covid rapid test (results in 15 min) before we could visit! &nbsp;The test was not pleasant, but I’m okay with the additional screening, since the place where he has been staying has kept all the elders safe and had NO Covid deaths!</p> <p>Canada had a bit of a test with the Thanksgiving holiday earlier this month. &nbsp;Numbers continued to trend downward in Ontario, so this week&nbsp;capacity&nbsp;<i>everywhere </i>in Ontario&nbsp;has been allowed to return to pre-Covid numbers,&nbsp;<b>but&nbsp;</b>only folks with a vaccine passport confirming double vaccination allowed. &nbsp;Mask wearing is still required - though if the number of positive cases continues to trend downwards, the mask mandate may be over by March 2022. &nbsp;The double vaxed rate is 84% of &nbsp;eligible folks, or 74% of&nbsp;<i>all&nbsp;</i>people (included in this statistic are those under 12yo who are as yet not eligible for vaccination.)</p> <p>I think winter will be tough, but hopefully more people will ‘get with the program’ and things will be better in the spring.</p> <p> <div><br /></div> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2234329 Wed, 27 Oct 2021 00:37:01 +0000 Jules 2234329@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>That’s amazing Sloper! Great news. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2234253 Tue, 26 Oct 2021 18:57:37 +0000 Sloper 2234253@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Just to share a tidbit of happy news for me.</p> <p>I'm part of a study by the Leukemia &amp; Lymphoma Society to investigate how/if patients are responding to covid vaccines.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <p>I didn't get any antibody response from my first two Pfizer shots, but just got the report that I do have an antibody response to my third!&nbsp; Of course no one knows what level of antibodies is "strong" vs "weak" - but at least I have some!!</p> <p>Staying at home and masking up are still the order of the day, but I do feel a bit of hope!</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2230836 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 17:58:41 +0000 Peri 2230836@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>JAileen, good for you for standing strong. I hope you can stop those people from visiting her. I hope there can be a safe way for you to see her, but I'm also applauding you for understanding that there's a chance you could be a risk to her as well, even vaccinated.&nbsp;</p> <p>I do for sure blame the unvaccinated for prolonging all this. But, I'm also having a lot of trouble with people who think they can do anything around anyone just because they are vaccinated. I know people who eat out, go to football games, go to concerts, have dinner parties in their house and then just don't understand why I can't be around them. I'm getting tired of explaining it and then having people act like I'm overreacting. Yes, I could be around them. I could maybe get sick and would probably still be okay since I'm "only" 62 and healthy and vaccinated myself. But I'd expose my husband who would <u></u><u>not</u>&nbsp;<u></u>be okay.&nbsp;The whole thing is making me feel defensive and that's not good. </p> <p>Now, I do have a lot of people in my life who do get it. It's just that sometimes I get stunned by the amount who don't, and how much empathy is lacking in the world these days.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2230800 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 15:27:23 +0000 JAileen 2230800@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>For those with health issues, my heart goes out to you. &nbsp;Those who willfully refuse to vaccinate, putting others at risk, are dead to me. &nbsp;My mother is extremely elderly (97 years old) and I haven’t seen her in several months. &nbsp;Her age is in itself a preexisting condition. &nbsp;I have relatives who have refused the vaccine and want to visit her. &nbsp;It seems to me they don’t care if she lives or dies. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2230676 Sun, 10 Oct 2021 02:27:01 +0000 rachylou 2230676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I appreciate the sympathy, Peri, Sloper. She was fully vaccinated to boot. Viral load matters… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2230534 Sat, 09 Oct 2021 19:01:05 +0000 Sloper 2230534@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Rachylou</b>, I'm very sorry about your aunt. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2230516 Sat, 09 Oct 2021 17:11:03 +0000 Peri 2230516@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Rachylou, I'm so sorry to hear about your aunt. I know that must hurt, especially when people talk about the pandemic being over and you've had this loss and know personally how bad things can be.&nbsp; It's not over and it still is a big deal to those who are more vulnerable.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2230114 Thu, 07 Oct 2021 17:24:05 +0000 rachylou 2230114@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>No, not really. We’re all still masked up and we did reopen our second shop - but traffic is beyond low. And, well, my aunt just passed away. She went into the hospital for covid this summer and didn’t recover well. She died on Saturday, went into ER with arrhythmia… she was the oldest of all my aunts and uncles, but these are people who still went biking and skiing before the pandemic. So… </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2230076 Thu, 07 Oct 2021 15:00:37 +0000 Janet 2230076@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so impressed with countries that are aiming for 90-95% vaccination rates.&nbsp;</p> <p>I was not surprised to see that the county in Texas where we had the ranch is at 45%. I was, however, shocked that the county where my sister lives (in another southern state) is at 39%! I'm glad she is one of those, and that she is being very careful. She did however say that most people seem to be masking up, at least.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2230054 Thu, 07 Oct 2021 13:34:07 +0000 Bijou 2230054@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, I am so sorry to hear of your situation and also those of others having the devastating news of illness. You are in my thoughts and prayers. </p> <p>Australia was covid free up until June when Delta hit our two largest states which are in lockdown. I don't live there, but it is pretty safe to say that we will not be free of covid for long as there is so much pressure to just open things up. The local Premier (who runs my state) has done a great job of keeping our state safe and is incredibly popular for standing firm on keeping our borders shut. We are hoping to get to a 90 - 95% vaccination rate before opening up to hopefully keep everyone safe.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2229004 Sun, 03 Oct 2021 13:54:05 +0000 ophelia 2229004@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Still isolating. I take care of elderly &amp; have been guarding them like a too old soldier against an invisible army. It would probably take me out too. We’ve been in a national &amp; sometimes global epicenter w/ no mitigation since this thing started.<br /> Exhausting. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2228573 Fri, 01 Oct 2021 07:03:03 +0000 Barbara Diane 2228573@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am so sorry that so many of you have such scary and unnerving health issues AND have to worry about Covid. Worrying about Covid is more than enough.<br /> DH and I have found this very hard.<br /> Sending healing energy. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2228571 Fri, 01 Oct 2021 06:47:17 +0000 Sally 2228571@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We've been in lockdown for 6 weeks.&nbsp; As Sal mentioned earlier, the biggest city Auckland where I live is in lockdown.&nbsp; It was really strict for about 5 weeks but then about a week ago we were allowed to go out and get takeaways as long as there is no contact with others.&nbsp; It is ok for me, I am an introvert, we are small family in a relatively big house so can get some space but I do feel for others who are vulnerable, who have had to be in a small house with little children or who have lost jobs etc.&nbsp; We are hoping to come out of the lockdown this week but its school holidays.&nbsp; I teach in the part of the city where the outbreak seems to be worse and with transient communities there and overcrowding, I wonder if they will get it under control.&nbsp; I am getting my second jab tomorrow so that I can be fully vaccinated when school does go back as I know I will be walking into a risky area and teenagers are useless with masks and keeping things sanitised.&nbsp; I do feel for those who are in vulnerable situations with compromised immunity as it is really scary.&nbsp; &nbsp;My mother who is 86 has had one jab and I haven't seen her for over 6 weeks. Luckily she lives in a tiny village out of the main city with my brother.&nbsp; &nbsp;I hope we can get this under control so there is some way we can lead lives that are less restrictive and those with compromised health issues can feel safe going out in the community.&nbsp;&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate/page/2#post-2228561 Fri, 01 Oct 2021 04:29:44 +0000 DonnaF 2228561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am grateful for many things: I am an introvert. DH and I never had a lifestyle of eating out, much less attending concerts and the like. I was used to ZOOM meetings well before the pandemic. Extroverted DD lives halfway across the country, WFH, and lives alone so we hear from her daily. </p> <p>That being said, DH got his booster last month at the advice of two of his many doctors. But he’s never had his antibodies tested, so I still worry since he’s the guy who had four consecutive bouts of shingles despite being vaccinated. (He finally had to be hospitalized to get well.) DD has almost no T cells so is depending on her antibodies to stay well, so two of her doctors told her to get a booster so she got hers the same day I got mine.</p> <p>Our area has a fairly high vaccination rate, high mask wear, and low transmission. We go to the supermarket and exercise outside but not much else. I fear for my husband’s health more than he does but I don’t think he takes overly risky chances.</p> <p>Sad to say, but I don’t think we’ll be seeing his nieces and nephews for years since I’m pretty sure they aren’t vaccinated. We didn’t even see his elderly mom before she went overseas because refused to vaccinate and a lot of parties took place where she was staying. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228531 Fri, 01 Oct 2021 00:00:16 +0000 Sloper 2228531@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Jenn - please message if you want. &nbsp;FYI I am a patient at City of Hope. &nbsp;Fortunately we have many good resources in the greater Los Angeles area. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228486 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 20:24:04 +0000 Peri 2228486@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Laurie,</b> thank you. That "long, long term" did my heart good! Definitely check out the study. Maybe they want data on the long term. Right now they are saying the no-immunity response lasts about a year. More info is always good. And yes, cancer and pandemic at the same time has been a quick road to crazy town.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Sloper,</b> my husband watched the webinar too. We are very intrigued about the monthly treatment idea. I hope that gains some traction.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Jenn,</b> welcome to the support group. I'm so sorry you are having to join us. Every case is different but please message me if you want to. My husband finished chemo in March. He still sleeps like a teenager but mostly feels pretty good now. You are where I was one year ago.&nbsp;</p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228484 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 19:37:32 +0000 Jenn 2228484@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My husband was diagnosed with cancer earlier this month and started active chemo yesterday, so we're having to rethink a lot about how we're approaching the outside world, and we're pulling back on some activities we were willing to risk before, when we were fully-vaccinated without any mitigating circumstances. &nbsp;It's a whole 'nother layer on top of the stress of the diagnosis and treatment. He was hospitalized for a few days last week for testing and observation, and because of COVID, I wasn't allowed in the building.&nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228478 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 18:46:45 +0000 Sloper 2228478@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Laurie - </b>you should definitely check out the study.&nbsp; I don't know all the criteria for each type of blood cancer, but the more participants the better.&nbsp; They did a webinar this morning to update everyone on the results of current studies and what's being planned.&nbsp; They've even got a study getting started for 4th doses.</p> <p>Here's the original link for joining the patient registry:<br /><a rel="nofollow" href="https://www.ciitizen.com/LLSCOVIDStudy/?utm_campaign=LLS%20National%20Patient%20Registry&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;_hsmi=116026146&amp;_hsenc=p2ANqtz--QbZ2tqjX5iQv8peS1XL__fylY0EmSPIZwOXiCk3x3m05B5AmFrwTlXui7nzGgUhSGmhqv-wkJ_qYXMVrIPa9deAk84TyvuOWXlKbaX8q1Ur1q1jo&amp;utm_content=116026146&amp;utm_source=hs_automation">https://www.ciitizen.com/LLSCO.....38;utm_med</a><br /><b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228472 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 18:17:24 +0000 Laurie 2228472@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, Kyle, Glory, Sloper, Ginko - my heart goes out to you. I am a long, long term survivor of lymphoma. I should look into that study and see if they are also testing people with a history of blood cancer. (Big supporter of LLS - I used to do their fund-raising events, both as a participant and as a speaker)&nbsp; I had not considered what riding out this pandemic would have been like when I was a patient. Pre-pandemic it would have been hard to fathom how one's stress level could go any higher than it is already with a diagnosis of cancer.&nbsp; This is how it goes higher.&nbsp;<br />My over-riding emotion most days is anger verging on fury about the situation we remain in, largely due to the resistance to vaccines and refusal to follow protocols/ appropriate behavior. I have nothing unique to add.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228425 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 15:06:43 +0000 Carla 2228425@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>As the rate of vaccination goes up (80.5 % of the Ontario provincial population are double vaxed) the number of folks testing positive is going down - even after a holiday weekend and the start of school at the beginning of the month. &nbsp;Media report that 3/4 of those who test positive and 3/4 or those who end up in hospital and in ICU’s are unvaccinated individuals. &nbsp;Since last Wednesday a vaccine passport has become a thing here - and I don’t mind one bit! &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228301 Thu, 30 Sep 2021 00:20:19 +0000 Echo 2228301@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, I am so sorry Peri, Kyle, Glory, Sloper, Ginko and others. Like Suntiger, my state is pretending covid doesn't exist; it is maddening and infuriating. I work in a school building where masks are not required (I am one of the minority who wears a mask all day, every day) and work with many science-deniers/anti-vaxxers. Considering we work in education, I find their attitudes especially horrifying, and as far as I am concerned they are putting children too young to be vaccinated at risk.&nbsp;</p> <p>People don't seem to realize (or care?) that herd immunity through high rates of vaccination is the only thing that will keep the vulnerable safer. Ultimately, it is the only thing that will keep ANY of us safer, as the more bodies this virus goes through, the more opportunities it has to mutate.</p> <p>My heart goes out to you. This was really an issue we should have all come together on. It's disheartening that safety and science and medicine have become political hot-button issues. If we can't come together in the face of a global pandemic, is there ANYTHING that can bring us together? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228245 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 17:56:52 +0000 Suz 2228245@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thinking of all of you -- <b>Glory, Sloper, Gingko, Kyle, Peri</b> (and anyone else in this spot). It's so punishing. As you said, Peri -- in "normal" days a spouse with cancer or a cancer diagnosis would qualify you for some social support and at least acknowledgement that what you are going through is really tough. But now, this added burden of extreme isolation.&nbsp; Sounds like a support group could be a great thing.&nbsp;</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228242 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 17:44:36 +0000 Jules 2228242@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Life is definitely not back to normal for us and probably won't be this fall and winter. We took advantage of the short Canadian summer to continue to socialize and dine outdoors for the most part. My little nuclear family has turned a corner in that we will all be fully vaccinated this week (my youngest just became eligible in August), as are all of our close contacts. I am ok with our more limited life for the time being. My main concern is my mother. While fully vaccinated she does have COPD and I heard recently of a breakthrough covid case in a more elderly person with COPD. He unfortunately passed away, although his health was in decline before getting covid. The scary part is that his family, who were being reasonably cautious, cannot figure out where he caught it. So I am faced with wondering whether life will ever really "get back to normal" for my parents. My father is cautious to the point of paranoid and not suffering too much over it, but my mother would like to return to a more normal lifestyle. And in their late 70s they might not be able to "wait it out" the way I can in middle age.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228231 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 17:12:32 +0000 Peri 2228231@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Suntiger,</b> thanks for the link. That's a great article.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Janet</b>, yes, I'm angry about the anti-vaccers too. I really can't think about it much because stupid is even harder to cure than Covid and I can't take the stress of dwelling on it. If such people realized what their actions are doing to people like my husband and me I can't even believe they'd care because it's all about them.</p> <p><b>Ginko</b>, so sorry, and welcome to my support group.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228202 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 15:24:38 +0000 Ginkgo 2228202@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, we are still isolating as my husband was diagnosed with bladder cancer six months ago;&nbsp; after a couple of rounds of surgeries and treatment he is now declared to be cancer free but is scheduled for another series of chemo treatments starting next week.&nbsp; Even though we're both vaccinated (he has also received the booster also) and we live in an area with a low number of cases,&nbsp; I'm afraid of contracting covid and bringing it home and that his treatment would be rescheduled/delayed as a result. </p> <p>We both long to travel again and I want to wander the shops, while away the time in cafes and visit friends and family.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228157 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 12:36:06 +0000 Janet 2228157@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Peri, Kyle, Glory, and Sloper — sending all the best thoughts your way! </p> <p>My husband and I are somewhere in between lockdown and wide open mentality. We are fully vaxxed with no significant pre-existing conditions, so supposedly we are in the clear ourselves. We have gone to some outdoor events (baseball game, concert) and spent a week in NYC. Most of our restaurant visits have been outdoor dining and we have avoided crowded places. We prefer to mask up when entering stores even though it’s only mandated in certain places. Like Suntiger said, it’s about 50/50 here in terms of how many people wear masks, until you get into the cities (Baltimore and DC) where masking rates are much higher. </p> <p>I just had to cancel plans to get together with my two oldest BFF’s because one of the high school age daughters of one of them was exposed to a friend who came down with Covid. The family chose to self-quarantine and we canceled our plans, mainly because my other BFF is a breast cancer surgeon and needs to stay away from Covid exposure to protect her patients. Just so happens that my friend with the teenage daughters works for Pfizer, so he knows the risks better than most, and we all operate on an abundance of caution. </p> <p>My doctor friend and I did get together for a lovely outdoor lunch, and she vented a lot about how hard she is having to work to convince some of her patients to get vaccinated. People have been absorbing a lot of misinformation about the vaccines and it’s causing the medical community a hell of a lot of heartache and stress. She’s 56 and wants very badly to retire — she has arthritis in her fingers and a bad back, and quite frankly, she’s tired of the BS, but she cannot afford to retire. Anyone who thinks that doctors are making bucketfuls of money these days needs to take a closer look at the insurance companies. </p> <p>I have a friend/former colleague who is undergoing treatment for multiple myeloma (which also took the life of the wife of my Pfizer-employee friend). She is still very much isolating and her family is being super careful. I also know people who have various respiratory and other issues who are still staying away from others. So I know many people who are still very much taking this seriously and not taking unnecessary risks.</p> <p>Meanwhile, we have family members in Texas who refuse to consider getting vaccinated, despite the fact that they know many people who have died from the virus. It’s insane but they won’t be swayed. We have tried to persuade them to no avail. They’ve just accepted that it’s a thing they could catch and be killed by, and they’re ok with that. </p> <p>Sorry, this turned into a long and rambling rant, but I’m so angry with people who don’t realize it’s not only just about themselves — it’s about shutting down the spread of the virus and protecting other people too — other people who are more vulnerable. Sometimes I really fear for humanity. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228118 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 09:12:52 +0000 Anonymous 2228118@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>This article really spoke to me! <a href="https://insideoutstyleblog.com/2021/09/10-strategies-im-using-to-cope-during-the-pandemic.html" rel="nofollow">https://insideoutstyleblog.com.....demic.html</a> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228083 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 02:46:22 +0000 Sloper 2228083@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>Peri</b>, <b>Tyler </b>and <b>Glory - </b>feel free to DM me anytime!</p> <p>Even venting is helpful to decompress a bit.<b></b> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/is-anyone-else-still-having-to-isolate#post-2228073 Wed, 29 Sep 2021 02:12:59 +0000 Peri 2228073@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thank you all so much for your support. I couldn't get back on earlier because I wanted to be able to reply, but I did read the responses as they came in. I surely don't wish similar circumstances on anyone but at the same time it helps to know I have some company. No one in my real life still has to be as restricted as I have been.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Kyle, Glory and Sloper</b>, I'm sorry to hear you have been through it too. I think this is the main thing many people don't think about: cancer and cancer treatment is awful, both for the patient and their support person or team. And the pandemic has been awful for everyone. But the Venn diagram overlap area between the two is a truly sucky place. I think about if this had happened with no pandemic, my husband having cancer would be flat out all I could handle, but at least I wouldn't be prevented from lunch with friends or seeing movies or getting haircuts or any of the other things that might help me cope and stay sane. We should form a support group.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Sloper</b>, my husband is in that study too. That is a bright spot, a really good resource. Unfortunately though, that's how we know the 3rd shot also had zero effect for him.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Joy, cjh, and Suntiger,&nbsp;</b>I do wish it could be as simple as masks and distancing, but I don't feel secure enough to believe that is all I need to do. Maybe it is, but I have heard of so many breakthrough cases that I just can't operate that way. I really want to find out what they were doing that was risky! If all the breakthrough cases came from eating in restaurants or attending crowded indoor events with no masks, at least I'd be able to feel like I was being careful enough.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Helena, kkards and Suz</b>, thank you.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Runcarla, </b>yes about the risk assessments. I had to go the dentist to get a cracked tooth repaired. Not anything I could reasonably postpone, but had major anxiety about two people hovering over me for two hours while my mask was off. Necessary risk though. Haircuts, as much as I want one...unnecessary risk, can't do it. Every single thing has to be so studied and fraught, with no real happy answers. </p> <p><b>Angie,</b> I felt the same thing. We had about a two month window this summer that was post vaccine, numbers decreasing, and no knowledge yet of the problems with the vaccine and chemo patients. Just a tiny tease of "getting back to normal". Gone now.&nbsp;</p> <p><b>Cardiff Girl and Sal</b>, no possible answers on the political front but the US is surely not a good example of handling things greatly either. Actually Sal, I always heard NZ was the best example for all of us. I'm sorry to hear nerves are fraying there as well. Understandable though, people are people wherever we go.&nbsp;</p> <p>Thank you all for your help, I really appreciate it.</p>