Do the Pandemic PIVOT

It sounds like a dance: the Pandemic Pivot.  Take two steps forward, one step back, and repeat.

Omnicom numbers are going down in our area, which means we can pivot and get out more. But don't ditch your mask for indoor events or visits just yet. Instead, make a strategic plan to stay say safe during the pandemic, which is NOT over.   I  believe our new behavior now, based on science,  should be to PIVOT. Here's why.

WHO reports that "Globally, as of  5:20 PM CET, 18 February 2022, there have been 418,650,474 confirmed cases of COVID-19, including 5,856,224 deaths, reported to WHO. As of 15 February 2022, a total of 10,279,668,555 vaccine doses have been administered."

What does this mean? Here is a basic strategy to pivot now,  stay safe, and not infect anyone at risk.

WHO is comprised of global scientists who study and then warn the public about any emerging health threats. Their mission, as a non-profit, is to bring awareness to viruses new trends in health that are dangerous for all human beings.  WHO is focused on education and treatment,  traveling to third world countries or any place that is in need to stem the spread of a virus.

The Pandemic is not over. Luckily, here in  New Jersey and New York, the numbers have gone down. But at the same time, numbers are still growing elsewhere. Remember: we are not isolated from the rest of the world. Every day, people travel to and from our country, which means a virus can easily take root here, as Omnicron easily did.

The head of the World Health Organization's Europe office said Tuesday they are deeply concerned with surging rates of COVID-19 infection in Eastern Europe, including six countries including Ukraine and Russia. In the past two weeks, Covid cases have been doubling.

How do we keep safe? What do we do about mask-wearing and going out to eat and mingling with friends and family?

The first thing you need to do is realize there is no solution to keeping 100 percent safe during a pandemic. For some people, that's fine. For me, I tend to be more cautious with my health. People always tell me, "You could get hit by a car, or fall, etc. Just go out and stop worrying!"

COVID is the leading cause of death in the US for the second year in a row, and greatly surpassed deaths by heart issues and cancer. I can't stop noticing. But I realized it's time to pivot - for everyone - safely.

Here's what I came up with for you.

Lilli's List: Do the Pandemic Pivot.

1. Everyone will deal with health threats differently, as we well know. First decide: what kind of person are you when it comes to risk? 
2. Next step: figure out who in your life, such as your parents, anyone with an illness, etc., is vulnerable to COVID and has a high risk of death if infected.
3. Include anyone who is obese or very overweight, since their chance of dying from COVID if infected is at 78 percent (accurate, scientific data from CDC and many other health organizations.)
4. If you are in close contact with people who are over 65, near infants, or in danger if they contract COVID, you must mask up in any situation where you are indoors with people and do not know if they are vaccinated or have COVID. OR take a test right before you visit them. Wear a mask during your visit. This is your only ethical choice. 
5. If you are outdoors and not in crowds, take off that mask. It's fine right now. 
6. If you are adventurous and are vaccinated and have your booster, only you can decide if you can handle travel. Just. check your destination's COVID numbers. 
7. If you want to eat out, NYC requires proof of vaccination, so it's much safer than New Jersey, where anyone can dine inside, close to others, without any proof of vaccination. Sure, there is a risk, but it's not as high when numbers are low. 
8. If you don't care about catching COVID, consider this: some of you will be sick and never notice, and then may infect the elderly or people who are in danger of dying from COVID   And yes, this includes vaccinated people.
9. Live with your decisions ethically. If you don't believe in vaccinations,  wear a mask when you are indoors and in public places. It's not so hard to do the right thing. 
10. If you are afraid to leave your home due to the Pandemic, you are not alone. Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder.  Contact your doctor. 
11. When the number of cases surges again, or a new variant arrives,  go back to plan A - always wear a mask, etc. It won't be easy.

By changing your behavior during the swinging pendulum of COVID, you can enjoy some sort of normal lifestyle again. Just don't get too comfortable. We are not done yet.

And please: be just a bit selfless - don a mask in public indoor spaces so you don't infect those who will die if they have COVID.