Pandemic Week 165: The End of the Public Health Emergency

Anna & Ethan at the Big Jam
 May 11 marked the official end of the public health emergency. This means several changes to the healthcare policies, including the end of free at home tests.  There will likely be future changes to vaccines (who pays) and there will no longer regular COVID data as states are no longer required to submit it to the Federal government.  Some of the changes brought about by COVID will stay, such as expanded use of telehealth appointments.

It is hard to overstate the impact of the pandemic.  COVID-19 killed more 1 million Americans and sickened millions more.  It is estimated that 1 in 13 U.S. adults or 23 million Americans suffer from long-haul COVID.  This statistic hits a bit too close to home for us.  Whether you look at what happened across the country or how it impacted our own family very directly, it is safe to say we will never go back to the way things were.  Oh sure, once in a while there is something that we use to do that we now can; however, we are forever changed.  All we can do is move forward.

Speaking of moving forward, here are some of the highlights from the past week in our post-pandemic life:

A convertible ride for ice cream

  • Theresa made a quick Ohio trip to see her parents.  The weather was great, which worked out perfectly for a trip to the greenhouse and lots of flower planting.  The nice weather also allowed for a ride in Grandpa's convertible.  Unfortunately, when Theresa left, both Grandma and Grandpa had a bad cold (convertible ride?).
  • Speaking of planting, Anna & Theresa planted most of the garden plot.  Theresa actually followed directions on plantings from the Fairfax County Master gardener's guide for a garden plot.  Stay tuned for the results of this effort.
  • Anna got her provisional driver's license!  On Friday, she completed her final instructor training.  She has not driven by herself just yet as her parents need to activate her on the insurance.  She will likely be out this week.
  • Saturday night was the Big Jam, the annual Vienna Jammers concert and fundraiser.  As always it was a great show (stay tuned for videos).  Anna once again found herself for most numbers behind Ethan (you will note from the photos that Ethan is well over 6 feet tall).  This makes taking photos difficult if you are Anna's parent.  It is not a problem for Ethan's parents.

Happy May!



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