GOODBYE 2020, Hello 2021!
Photo courtesy of Ibrahim Boran via Unsplash (a photo sharing site)
For many of us the pandemic has put an end to activities we once took for granted, like hugging our loved ones, spending time with friends, and even going in public without masks. With no warning, we were stripped of the simple things that brought us joy, such as going to concerts and watching sporting events. Luckily, in 2021 some of these things may be making a comeback with aid from the coronavirus vaccine. On December 10th, the F.D.A authorized Pfizer’s vaccine to be used for emergency vaccination for those who are 16 and older. After analyzing multiple months worth of data, the F.D.A.’s vaccine advisory panel has concluded that Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine is about 95% effective after only two doses. This vaccine could help slow and control the spread of the coronavirus as well as bring a sense of normalcy to America.
The Olympics are rarely postponed since some athletes train their whole lives for the chance to compete. The 2020 Summer Olympics, which were supposed to take place in Tokyo, were put on hold because of the immediate impact of the coronavirus. Many sports fans were upset to hear this, but they should not worry because both the Olympics and the Paralympics have been rescheduled. The 2020 Summer Olympics will take place in Tokyo, Japan from July 23rd 2021- August 8th 2021. The Paralympics will be held from August 24th 2021 through September 5th, 2021.
After finding out COVID-19 was a highly contagious droplet disease, large gatherings were quickly banned. Many artists put a stop to their touring to help keep their fans safe, but now some singers are considering resuming their tours. Harry Styles, Justin Bieber, and The Weeknd all hope to be able to host concerts in the late summer. Depending on the effectiveness of the vaccine, there is still a chance it will be unsafe for performers to arrange large, close-contact events. Singing is one of the main ways to spread aerosols, which could increase coronavirus cases if even one asymptomatic COVID carrier attends a concert. Whether they are outdoors or indoors, venues will most definitely have to set precautions and limit the amount of guests allowed per concert or show.
Jordana Pont, better known as Dani, is a senior at Freehold High School. This is her third year as a member of The Colonial. Dani enjoys writing about current events, school news, and the latest trends, but she is willing to branch out and write about almost anything. Dani enjoys hanging out with her friends, shopping, and reading. In the future, Dani hopes to major in psychology and stay on the East Coast.
