The New Abnormal

by Nicolaj Arroyo

Co-Managing Editor

May 2022

by Janicza Rosas-Nunez

Staff Illustrator

The repeal of mandatory masks in the School District of Beloit symbolized something greater: a new chapter, a post-Covid Beloit. The current circumstance is not quite what it once was before the pandemic hit, yet the community is moving towards a new normal.

These changes in the community created tension with the community members and the school district over the need for a mandate to still be in place. After much pressure, the soon-to-be-former superintendent Daniel Keyser announced that masks would now be optional for students and staff.

Early after the mandate was lifted, there was still a large cohort in the building choosing to wear a mask regularly, but as time goes on, less and less students are choosing to wear masks.

“I know that I am completely vaccinated, and I get regularly tested so I’m not extremely worried,” said junior Aliyah Mank. “When I am sick I will put one on, though.”

The regulations that are prescribed for a particular community are based upon the community infection level, and right now, Rock county is at Medium. According to the CDC, this category does not require complete masking, and the decision is intended to be one of personal choice. Within this, there are also people who are choosing to wear masks, yet they are less rigid about it.

Despite the availability and efficacy of vaccines, minors cannot obtain them without parental consent. This prevents many minors from being protected from Covid in the same way as those with full control over their medical decisions.

With a higher vaccination rate, there is a better chance of developing a strong herd immunity which could protect those who are unable to protect themselves. A herd immunity through vaccination would increase the safety of gathering in larger numbers. Speaking of gathering in large numbers, stores and restaurants have generally gone back to their pre-pandemic states. The aftershocks of lock-down still resonate through Beloit, though. Covid is not yet defeated. The immunocompromised are still as at risk as they were before the mandate was lifted.