COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates have ruined the world forever (opinion) – SILive.com

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. COVID-19 mask restrictions have been lifted for New Yorkers, including for schoolchildren above the age of 5.

It should be a happy, liberating moment. Its what many of us have waited for.

But it hasnt been that easy. Theres much that isnt as straightforward any more, thanks to the pandemic.

Not everybody wants to take their masks off. Some kids want to keep them on. They still feel in danger from the virus. They could face peer pressure in school if all the other kids want to take their masks off.

The same is true on the flip side: In some places, the majority of kids may want to keep their masks on. They could single out or shun those kids who want to be done with facial coverings.

Some parents may not agree with lifting the mandate and will want their kids to keep their masks on. The kids may disagree with mom and dad. Parents themselves may disagree with each other over whether their kids should keep their masks on.

Were seeing these differences in the larger world as well. Many people are choosing to keep their masks on in the supermarket, in the park, while driving their cars.

Its divided us. Because dont tell me that people dont judge each other based on whether theyre masked or not.

Those on the red side of the political divide consider people wearing masks to be helpless sheep who cant think for themselves. To those on the blue side, the unmasked are science deniers who want everybody in the world to die of the virus.

The mask has become an outward sign of your social virtue or lack thereof. And that creates some peer pressure for us adults as well. Dont think that we dont feel it. Its not going away anytime soon.

In another welcome move, vaccine passports are no longer required to enter bars, restaurants or sports and entertainment venues in New York City.

Well, not quite. Eateries and other businesses can still keep the passport in effect if they so choose. So be sure to check the rules before you buy those concert tickets.

The same goes for any vacation spot you may want to visit. Youre going to have to call ahead to see if any restrictions are still in place. Check with your airline and with Amtrak too.

We still dont know if kids will be required to get yearly vaccines to attend public schools in New York City. We dont know if colleges and universities will continue to demand that students be vaccinated.

All of us who are employed by companies doing business in New York City are still required to be vaccinated. Will we be required to get boosters? Will we be required to get a COVID vaccine each year? Nobody knows.

We dont know whats going to happen when the next cold and flu season rolls around. If COVID is still present, even in a diminished form, will there be shutdowns again? Will be be forced into hibernation again?

And what about the health care workers, teachers and others who lost their jobs because they refused to be vaccinated? United Airlines is allowing workers with vaccine exemptions to return to work. When will other workers be allowed back on the job?

The world is different now. Things have changed.

And they might change again in the future. Because the kids today who are growing up thinking that masks are essential or at least cant hurt will be the leaders of tomorrow. What public health measures will they think are common sense?

This pandemic may never truly end.

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COVID-19 mask and vaccine mandates have ruined the world forever (opinion) - SILive.com