Mayor's Weekly Message: the New Journey Back to Normalcy

Covid- the New Journey Back to Normalcy

Finally, the Governor has announced recently, that many of the rules and restrictions that we have all come to embrace for such a long period of time are being relaxed. Since state-wide testing and the availability of vaccine doses have become much more prevalent has been his justification for the announcement. The allowable limit for outdoor gatherings has increased from 200 to 500 people. Large outdoor venues (sport and entertainment) with more than 1,000 seats are allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity. Indoor catering events are also allowed to increase their capacity to 50 percent.

In addition, hospitalization and infection rates are continuing their steady decline. Middlesex Borough registered three days in the last two weeks at zero new positive cases. Generally, immunization operations are getting significantly smaller as vaccine supplies are holding steady. The interesting question is why are so many people resistant to either getting the vaccine altogether or opting not to receive the second dose? I understand that some people have been turned off by the brief J & J issue that was quickly resolved.

Even the number of New Jersey school districts offering only all-remote instruction has precipitously dropped. In fact the handful of of holdouts, now at fifteen districts are urged to return to in-person learning very soon. I believe that the influence of so many parents demanding to get their children back in the classroom after much “politics” had a profound effect on that decision whether supported by science or not. I also can’t help to think that this is indeed an election year for Governor Murphy.

Personal experience

My own experience with Covid has really given me a more guided opinion of the need for protection. As we have seen, sometime people who diligently mask up and stay socially distanced may “slip up” as I had a momentary lapse and next thing I knew the virus had become my uninvited guest. The consequence proved to be inevitable and required an immediate response since I had been waiting for my vaccine for several months at that point. Again as mentioned in an earlier message, the Monoclonal infusion that I received gave me significant relief within half a day even though my symptoms were moderate with no fever. Realizing that there are those who do not have ready access to alleviate the virus and more importantly become super spreaders unknowingly, has made an impact on me due to my own personal experience. I have become more circumspect for these reasons. For those who have never had such an experience it may be difficult to recognize the urgency of this caliber for prompt viral protection .

A cautionary tale

Just understanding what the Republic of India is currently experiencing is unimaginable to most of us. In fact a recent report from the CDC dated May 7, 2021 indicates to date more than 18 million cases have been reported (there may be many more) and rapidly increasing! In addition there are four new variants deemed as “variants of interest” and have “characteristics of concern.”

Be part of the solution

Please be aware of these considerations, obtain your information from legitimate medical authorities and keep in mind that we are moving in the right direction regarding proper protection and safeguarding our families, friends, and neighbors. We are almost there. The warmer spring and summer days are soon upon us. We look forward to rejuvenation of our well-being and spirit.

Please stay safe and enjoy the season.
Mayor John L. Madden