As more and more people get vaccinated against COVID-19, leading to the lowest positivity rate in Illinois since the start of the pandemic, we asked you to tell us how much your daily routine has gotten back to normal since getting the shots. Some answers have been condensed and lightly edited for clarity.
“None. I still wear a mask and social distance. I plan to for the next year at least.” — Judith Jorgensen Campbell
“Not to where it was before this all started.” — Dona Bezdek
“My routine has changed very much for the better. I actually made to Wrigley Field for the first time since 2019!! Also, I can visit relatives without the fear of a severe case of COVID. It is wonderful!” — Jo Ann Fields
“Life will never be ‘normal’ again since this pandemic.” — Cynthia Dickerson
“My friends and family who died of COVID will never return. My industry is audience-dependent and has not yet rebounded. When the going gets tough, the arts are the first to go and the last to return. I believe in the ‘adapt or die’ principle, also that of ‘love thy neighbor,’ so will likely be wearing a mask in grocery stores and other indoor public places for the foreseeable future — and ALWAYS in the subway, on planes, public transit.” — Christopher Peifer
“It hasn’t returned to normal. What is normal? I got my second shot on the 31st of March. I have been working remotely since mid-March 2020. I will be going back to one of my jobs in the physical location next month but only once a week. There’s still a lot we don’t know about what’s to come. Sso I’m glad both of my jobs are being cautious about it.” — Bran Eveland Cron
“There is no normalcy to return to.” — Bill Koehler
“Nothing changed for me when the pandemic hit — still went to work every day. Now that I’m vaccinated, I am still here, but I don’t have to wear a mask.” — Alyssa Drugis Griggs
“I’ve been back to normal since we were able to go places outside our house. Only difference has been wearing masks inside of buildings, which I can’t wait to go away. Besides that, I’ve had a normal life with my family.” — Jonathan Mathes
“The CDC changes their regulations every few weeks, so I will still wear a mask indoors until most of the population is vaccinated. In the future, if I have a cold or the flu, I will wear a mask when in public to cut down on the spread of my germs. It’s what every responsible person should do.” — Steven McElyea
“I’m still very cautious because who knows who’s been vaccinated?! I’m all for showing proof for admittance in places. I feel unvaccinated people will just lie. I am spending more time with my vaccinated friends, which is great.” — Linda Henderson
