Don’t let the unvaccinated bring us all down.

So far, we don’t know how bad the Omicron variant of COVID is. Yes, it is spreading to more than 70 percent of the new infections. No, we don’t know how dangerous it is as a virus. But we do know one thing.

The unvaccinated people are the majority of those going to the hospitals, and the great majority of those dying are still those who refuse to get their shots and their boosters. Some may have good reason, but too many listen to talking heads and politicians who are harming the rest of us.

More than 40 National Hockey League games have been postponed, and play has been paused until after Christmas. The NBA is also being hit, and the league is changing rules to allow players to sign 10-day contracts to keep the rosters full enough to play.

College sports are the most vulnerable because universities must protect their students and athletes. But keep the games going since the survival of amateur athletics as we know it is at stake. Imagine, bowl games or the College Football Playoffs being canceled before we have all the data.

The conference basketball seasons are getting ready to start, and the rivalry games that draw the most fans and interest will be coming week after week until the post season tournaments. The players must stay safe enough to keep going, even if fans choose not to attend in person.

This was going to be the year of personal preference, anyway. Everything could have been opened with no restrictions, but some people weren’t going to feel safe enough to be in large crowds or full restaurants. That’s okay, do what is necessary to feel safe.

Even with half-empty arenas, the games must be played while we find out how bad this latest variant is. The nation’s mental and financial health cannot take another shutdown. Don’t let this virus rise up and beat us. If unvaccinated, shots are available. For extra protection, get a booster.

Wherever COVID came from, bad luck or a sinister lab, everyone needs to get on the same page and fight this thing. Mask up in public even if you’re vaccinated. Go to games if you feel safe, stay home and cheer if you don’t. But don’t let it beat us again. We have the tools, use them and live your life.

 

Photo via Smiley N. Pool / The Dallas Morning News.

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