Preparing for the Beginning of the End of the Pandemic

It may seem hard to believe, but after more than a year of uncertainty, isolation and anxiety, it looks as though an end to the COVID-19 pandemic may be on the horizon, thanks to the availability of vaccines and growing vaccine acceptance. So now is a great time to review where we stand in terms of best practices and updated guidelines, as we prepare to safely re-enter “normal” life.

Protecting Your Physical Health

Stay the course. The pandemic isn’t over just yet, so it’s more important than ever to keep up the effort to prevent the spread of the virus and protect your health. Just as you follow safety guidelines on the job, keeping your family and community safe calls for the same vigilance—avoid crowds, continue washing your hands regularly and pay attention to any changes in your health.

Get vaccinated. It’s ultimately your choice, but being a healthcare worker puts you at increased risk of contracting COVID-19, so getting vaccinated is a safe and effective defense. It not only shields you from serious complications if you get sick but also helps stop the virus from spreading in our communities.

Hold on to your masks. While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says it’s safe for vaccinated people to socialize indoors and to walk outside without a face covering, everyone should still wear a mask and maintain six feet of distance when in crowds.

Coping with “Re-Entry Anxiety”

The pandemic has taken an immeasurable toll on healthcare workers, who witnessed firsthand the death and suffering caused by the virus. Couple that with the extended period of social isolation, stress and grief, and the after-effects will likely be felt for years to come, with many health experts predicting lingering post-traumatic stress symptoms. So it’s only normal to have mixed feelings about re-entering the worlds of inperson socializing, transportation, camp and more. Is it safe? Is it too fast? Will we undo all the progress we’ve made?

Start small. If you haven’t been to a social gathering since early last year, it’s unlikely you’ll feel comfortable going to an indoor party or a crowded restaurant. Stick to what feels safe—whether that’s continuing to socialize online or meeting one or two friends for an outdoor meal. Acknowledge anxious feelings, and take on re-openings and changes at a pace that works for you.

But start soon and safely. The longer you put off reconnecting, the harder it will be. Buddy up with someone who may be feeling the same way and go for a no-pressure walk.

Get support. While this next phase might be a breeze for some people, it’s okay to not have all the answers. The Funds can help you connect with a mental health professional to help you work past roadblocks. Call our Wellness Member Assistance Program at (646) 473-6900.

Be Part of Our 2022 Funds Calendar

Every year, the Funds’ official calendar showcases 12 months of resources, wellness information and, most importantly: you. For the 2022 calendar, we are spotlighting affirmations. What helped you stay motivated, make changes or simply smile throughout the pandemic? Was it “I am stronger than I thought”? Or maybe “I can make a difference”? Whatever your own words of wisdom, if you’d like to share your story and have a socially distanced photo shoot with our Funds photographer, email us at Communications@1199Funds.org.