It is a lot

Following is an excerpt from a post written by religion scholar (expert on church trends and data)  Diana Butler Bass. 

One million cases. In the United States, we had a million new COVID cases on January 4, 2022. 

Recently, I talked with an epidemiologist friend (she is an expert with global experience). She warned me that we’d soon reach a million new cases of COVID per day in the United States — a number that would continue for some time. I wasn’t entirely sure I believed her (until January 4th!).  She was equality confident that very shortly every American will know at least one fully vaccinated (that means vaccinated and boosted) person who has a breakthrough COVID case.

There’s no spinning this. That’s a lot of illness. And, although vaccinated and boosted people will (in all probability) suffer less, many others will suffer greatly — especially children, the disabled, those with conditions like cancer, and the elderly. The “pandemic of the unvaccinated” isn’t only about anti-vaxxers and QAnon supporters. It is about people who have little personal agency, the marginalized, and those forgotten by our society. Add to that frightened parents, worried caregivers, and overburdened teachers, nurses, and doctors. It is a lot. 

It is very important for us all to be prepared for these huge numbers. It is equally important to know that if a large percentage of Americans were NOT vaccinated, this would be much, much worse. Please keep that perspective. Indeed, the vast majority of breakthrough cases will be mild to moderate instead of deadly, and unvaccinated people will continue to make up roughly 90-95% of hospitalizations and critical cases. Even with the benefit we’ve gained from vaccinations, a million cases a day makes for enormous strain on hospitals and still far too many deaths. 

So what should we do?

For your personal safety, please get vaccinated if you aren’t already or get the booster as soon as possible. It isn’t too late. The booster will begin working immediately to increase your resistance. Also, wear a good (non-counterfeit) N95, KF-94, or KN-95 mask in all indoor settings with strangers. Consider cutting back on in-person events and avail yourself to Zoom again (I know, I know!). 

For those of you with leadership as teachers, pastors, or in less formal roles, please be clear and consistent with your communities. Make sure your colleagues and congregants have factual information and understand public health science is a tool that evolves during pandemics and epidemics (just because guidance changes, it doesn't mean scientists are "wrong," it means that they are learning things in the field), and we all have a moral responsibility to maintain the viability of our hospitals and health care services. We need to combat conspiracy theories and disinformation with every ounce of strength we have.

All of us need to help our families, friends, and larger communities understand that with so many people sick, services will be slow, some businesses will have limited hours or be closed, and customer service employees will be stressed. Be gentle with others. Expect nothing to be "normal" over the next several weeks. Throwing a fit at Target helps no one. Say “please” and “thank you” more often. Tip generously. Be quick with a kind word. Create a culture of clear communication (even as it needs to be both flexible and fluid) to get through the next month. 

A special word to the many faith leaders: We are called to preach and teach truth in pulpits, classrooms, online, and on social media — consistently and with regard for the care of our neighbors. I know that you are exhausted. I also know that MANY people — people in your communities and congregations — are angry, in denial, and have lost their capacity to hear what is true and factual. They are taking out their frustrations on those who have lovingly and sacrificially served the public good (nurses, therapists, doctors, teachers, service workers, and clergy). The anger and anxiety of some, however, do not mitigate the calling to continue speaking the truth and to care for those for whom we bear some spiritual responsibility. Truth heals. Even when people throw it back in the faces of those who deliver it. Exercise leadership that models truthfulness, care, and healing. 

I know you are tired. Sick of it all. So am I. But this is our challenge, our time to do what is right, to love our neighbors, to put hard words into the world even to those who don't believe those words. Isn’t that what it means to be a Christian, a Jew, a Muslim, a Buddhist, a decent moral human? To heal even when people don’t “believe in” the disease? To offer mercy to those who act unmercifully? To care for those in despair? 

Keep doing what is right. You aren’t broken; you’re just worn down, sad, and tired. Even in the midst of it all, there’s still love, a healing God, good people, and a beautiful purpose for your life and theirs. You are being called to be your best self as a leader, friend, and neighbor. Tell the truth with intelligence, assurance, integrity, and insistent resolve. Act with compassion and courage. That’s our path to real hope. Remember to pray, take small breaks as needed, cry often. But do not surrender. 

We can do this. Do not give up. 

This link provides “A Community Tool for Addressing Health Misinformation”, put out by the Office of the U.S. Surgeon General.