if you are only partially vaccinated — as is the case for most canadians — masks and distancing remain the better choice. seeing family outdoors without masks with this level of vaccination has less risk, but is not without risk, and thus, will be an acceptable option for many people.
ideally, get your second shot as soon as possible. while decisions to reopen the economy and relax some of the protection guidelines once 70 per cent of the population is vaccinated with a first dose — 20 per cent with two doses — is arbitrary, it will be an important milestone for a return to greater normalcy.
we need to continue to be vigilant until we have achieved high numbers of people who are fully vaccinated. although the vaccines appear to be largely protective against variants of concern, we don’t know yet how long the protection will last — hopefully, for at least a year. booster shots will likely be necessary at some point as we learn more about the rate of waning immunity, and the new variants that pierce that immunity.
until then, find the right time and place to experience the joy of touch and reuniting with family. it might make you cry, but they will be tears of happiness.
dr. harry rakowski is a toronto-based academic cardiologist.
share story
share this story
opinion: the new calculus of hugging amid covid