Covid across the country

Tyler Martineau
Posted 11/30/21

Although each state is defined by its own differences, there are commonalities which make up the United States of America.

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Covid across the country

Posted

Although each state is defined by its own differences, there are commonalities which make up the United States of America. Unfortunately, COVID-19 has been one of those linking factors. It is quite clear the pandemic is being handled differently not only from state to state, but even from county to county. 

I had a chance recently to go back to the East coast and spend some time in New York which some may argue is the complete opposite of Wyoming. I had a chance to go to “the city’ as well as visit the college I attended, Hofstra University. The differences of day-to-day life between New York and Wyoming were obviously noticeable and I feel it is necessary to note my observations as I have been asked before what it is like live on the other side of the country during a global pandemic. 

While population density seems to be a major factor in the differences in guidelines and rules between states, it still comes down to the people to do it. Since the start of the pandemic, masks have almost always been required in New York which has been directly correlated to the lack of space between people. This could be why masks are more common. However, there are some things where masks are required which is rarely seen in other areas. 

For example, all club sports at Hofstra (non-NCAA sanctioned) were required to wear masks while engaging in physical activity. Regardless of the amount of running or amount of space between the athletes in an outdoor setting, masks were needed in order to participate. This is one of the things I believe is often overlooked in terms of differences in mask mandates. 

Along with the masks, proof of vaccination is becoming more common to do things in the state. While I was never asked to show a vaccination card at any of the businesses or restaurants I went to in New York, it was needed at the university. Last May, Hofstra announced all students must be vaccinated in order to attend. The school also provided vaccinations while slowly removing testing policies. 

There was of course opposition to the mandate but some of the arguments were not what one might normally expect. I heard quite often the school shouldn’t require vaccines until everyone could get a booster shot because it was unknown at the time about how long the vaccine would be effective. 

I haven’t had a chance to see the enrollment numbers from last year to this year, but from what I’ve heard it hasn’t changed much.

One night I attended a play put on by the drama department at Hofstra with my family. Students lined up on one side while visitors lined up on the other since the students just needed to show their school ID as proof they’ve been vaccinated. Everyone packed into a small room waiting to get in while also being masked. 

At the end of the show everyone returned to the crowded room with little space to move and waited for the cast members to come out. The actors were met with numerous hugs and praise from the audience. However, it called into question how people actually felt about the virus. Were masks needed if everyone was vaccinated? Was everyone too close and thus gave an optimal chance to spread the virus? 

When the vaccine was first introduced it reduced the amount of testing needed which was something people in a big city were encouraged about. Masks were the next thing to go for a short period but another spike in cases occurred. 

In Wyoming, the lower population and vast amount of space seems to be key reasons to not need masks. Since New York is dealing with the complete opposite it makes sense why there is such a stark difference in the ideals and beliefs of masks. 

I don’t think we needed a pandemic to realize subways and trains are breeding ground for germs and diseases, but I do believe it amplified the concern. Whether masks work or not, it is something many people use not only for protection but possibly for comfort as well. 

While in New York I noticed throwing a mask on when going into a building is commonplace and almost universally accepted, but I also noticed more energy in the area from the people. The mask requirement hasn’t changed much in almost two years, but people are starting to see a change in their way of life which is starting to resemble the old normal. 

It doesn’t necessarily have to do with masks or vaccines or anything else because the same shift can be seen all over the country. 

I am not writing to fight for one side or the other. I am certainly not an expert in the matter, nor do I feel I need to push any beliefs on people. I simply write to share what I have observed and hope it helps to understand how others are dealing with the pandemic. 

I do not think one place has found all the right answers because they would have eradicated the virus by now, but I do think understanding each other is the first step in making progress. 

I think this holiday season is the perfect time to do so.