Since about March, pandemic restrictions have been lessening. Knowing that most of us are vaccinated has created a feeling of safety. Sadly the new Delta variant is now interrupting that feeling.

Last week we had our first “in person” Sportsman’s Club meeting in Veterans’ Theater. It was great to be able to talk to other members. We’ve been having senior/singles dances since April and I felt safe enough to be close to men who asked me to dance.

At the Emergency Squad we have been letting folks in minus their masks and we have been able to reduce our temperature taking and sanitizing.

Shopping without a mask has been routine. Hardly any folks wear them now. I’ve gone to a restaurant for dinner without a mask. I’ve been comfortable.

But things are reverting to the time when the restrictions were strictly enforced.

I fear we’re going back to that. I don’t know if I fear the pandemic or the restrictions more.

There was a report today that they expect the new strain to peak in September. That would be less than a month from now. I will try to stay safe until then.

Actually I heard today that those of us who have been vaccinated are probably pretty safe, but folks like me who are vaccinated are contracting the new Delta variant and, once they have it, they can spread it to others. They may be absent of symptoms but they are still a carrier. That’s why we’re wearing masks again. Not for us, but for others.

So I’m stuck inside until the numbers turn around. If that happens fast, we can resume our progress toward normalcy but it’ll depend on the numbers.

Last week (ending July 22) we had 5,168 NEW Covid cases in Hillsborough County.

Hospitalized in Hillsborough:
14-DAY CHANGE
+158% higher!!!

May 4-Aug. 2:
of the tests run, the positive cases equaled
8%

The good news: Here in Sun City Center where folks are older our statistics on being fully vaccinated are pretty good. 74% of the over 65 demographic have been vaccinated.