If I sound like a broken record, I’m just doing my job. As a communications professional part of the role is to continue messaging until its adopted. And, protecting my community is the role I play as a citizen who cares for others. Right now, approximately 24% of the country has access to a free vaccine that they’ve continued to refuse. It’s readily available and could save their lives, but for one reason or another, the minority has decided that the billions spent in research and the billions of people receiving this vaccination isn’t enough evidence yet.
Without achieving herd immunity and without stopping the virus from mutations, we’ve come to an issue that affects both the vaccinated and the unvaccinated. It doesn’t look like Covid is going away, we’re going to have to live with it as an endemic disease.
Fortunately, in a modern society, those of us who made an informed decision to get vaccinated are better protected. And, because of the good work of scientists, we have access to testing that’s no cost to consumers.
For the very few times I’ve needed a COVID test to travel—or for peace of mind after a summer sniffles—I’m exponentially grateful for public health measures like testing. It was no cost to me, easy to come by, fast and painless. I’m not sure if COVID testing will become the norm before travel and large events, but it’s normal for right now and needs to be put on a pedestal for what it is, the best way to stop community spread after you’ve been vaccinated.
So, I’ll end with a plea, for those entering our community these two iconic weekends of the year. Please take a COVID test before you come to ACL, even if you’re vaccinated. And, for peace of mind, please take one before you leave Austin. It’s of no cost to you. It won’t take any longer than a typical drive-thru. Plus, it could save someone’s life.
Here’s several spots across the state of testing where I’d recommend testing as often as you need to, https://testing.nomihealth.com/easy_registration/151/onsite.
And, after you leave ACL, ease your mind as you head home by taking a quick test at Nomi Health’s testing site, 500 S Lamar, 11:00am-7:00pm this Friday, Saturday & Sunday.