Editorial

Almost half of Wrangell residents have received at least their first COVID-19 vaccine shot. Close to 30% of all Alaskans have too, and the state has opened vaccination eligibility to everyone over the age of 16.

Nationwide, more than 72 million people have received at least their first shot.

And while the number of people testing positive for the virus is on a welcome decline across most of the country, it's too soon to totally let up on being careful.

Petersburg reported more than 100 infections between Feb. 18 and March 14.

In the state Capitol, nine lawmakers and staff have tested positive in the latest outbreak that started in late February. Almost two dozen more have had to quarantine due to possible exposure, and one legislative staffer was hospitalized in Juneau with significant breathing problems.

Even the annual Iditarod sled dog race could not escape COVID-19 - the highly contagious virus reached the remote trail. One musher tested positive and had to withdraw from the race, while officials were trying to determine who else might have been exposed. The musher's case was innocent enough - it was traced to a dog handler who rode in a vehicle with him on March 5.

It's been a long year since the pandemic shut down most travel, socializing and a lot of business in our community. It's been a frustrating year and we all crave a return to normalcy - or at least as close as we can get. Seeing friends, going out for dinner, traveling to visit family seem to be on most everyone's wish list.

There's no reason not to hope that we have passed the worst of the pandemic. No reason not to look forward to a better spring and summer. No reason not to socialize, responsibly, with others who have been vaccinated.

Let's just everyone be careful to keep our masks on and not let our guard down in risky health situations. If you're out in public, do your part to help keep others safe.

Do your part by getting vaccinated.

Do your part so that everyone can stay healthy and enjoy the summer face to face.