Paul Roberts: For some, masks and restrictions must remain

Published 1:30 am Saturday, July 17, 2021

By Paul Roberts / Herald Forum

Emerging from covid restrictions is a welcome breath of fresh air. A new kind of spring. Getting vaccinated allows most of us to see loved ones, parents, grandkids, and friends again with low risk of transmitting the disease. Most of us, but not all of us.

A significant number of people remain under covid restrictions. Their bodies cannot produce antibodies even if they are vaccinated. People with certain cancers, bone marrow transplants, organ transplants, inflammatory bowel disease, Rheumatoid arthritis and diseases requiring drugs that suppress the immune system must remain vigilant from exposure.

What may seem like a low risk to someone who is vaccinated, remains an extreme risk to these individuals and their caregivers. If they contract covid their risk of dying is much greater, in some cases over 30 percent or more. And their struggle with the disease is much longer on average.

Caregivers and family members are effected as well. The exposure pathway must be limited. The “caregiving team cannot risk being in places where people are not masked and practicing social distancing including while they receive necessary medical care. While the rest of us are assessing what an acceptable risk looks like, these individuals, their car givers, spouses, families and friends must daily assess how to limit exposure risk as much as possible.

These individuals need special help and support. As we reopen the economy, we should consider setting aside special times where they can obtain necessary services while limiting exposure. For example, grocery stores might have mask Monday mornings where one can only shop if they wear masks and practice social distancing. Another example might be special valet services while in a store to remind others to keep appropriate distances. Whatever it looks like, it should provide real protection and risk reduction.

This is personal for me as I have one sister caring for her husband with cancer, and another sister who is a doctor and has a master of science in public health caring for patients with these conditions. We are not unique. Like many families, we are confronting the realities that covid will be with us for some time to come. Many of us know someone with these conditions.

Helping those who cannot find relief and who are at greatest risk must be part of the pathway forward. As public health officials and governments consider lifting covid restrictions, we should also consider how to protect those who remain at risk and for whom a vaccine will not help.

Paul Roberts is a public policy and environmental consultant, and a member of the Everett City Council.