Corona Conclusion?

Well, this is fantastic news!

I mean, for months now, I have been absolutely convinced that it was beyond imperative that I scrupulously exercise social distancing and mask-wearing for the survival of both myself and others. The governor has solemnly pronounced mandatory restrictions on my freedom of movement and action. I was warned in no uncertain terms that if I did not comply with said restrictions I was not only risking a painful death but also vigorous law enforcement measures upon my person. You should see the county’s implementing orders on this subject: I have seldom seen a more impressive list of “whereases” in a government document.

As part of these sacrosanct protective measures, I was also informed by both the governor and my local bishop that I could no longer attend Mass in person on Sunday, since it was way too dangerous. After all, I have to admit, it is hard to conceive of a more dangerous pursuit at a time like this: sitting or standing for long periods of time, occasionally breathing incense, and (here is the kicker) being within a few feet of other people!! The very thought is troubling. At first, not even “social distancing” and the wearing of face masks was considered sufficient to meet minimal standards of safety at Holy Mass. Now, however, we have taken limited steps toward freedom: the entire church has been divided into separated spaces to ensure all are appropriately remote from one another. Of course, this severely diminshes the number of seats available, so Mass is now first-come, first-served. If you are too late, you are banished to the parking lot – provided you maintain your social distance!

But now the great news!! Mask-wearing and social distancing are no longer mandatory! I know this because for a week now I have been watching the massive social justice protests occurring across the country from my corona virus sanctuary. I have been observing what must be thousands of people parading through the streets – many without masks and jammed together in huge crowds, as if they have never heard of the concept of social distancing!

At first I waited expectantly for the governor to act vigorously to enforce the corona virus restrictions. After all, it has been pounded into all of us that it is of extreme importance that we cooperate with these restrictions in order to prevent possibly millions of deaths across the country. A significant portion of the economy is still shut down for this very reason. I thought that the governor would have to act adamantly and expeditiously to protect the protesters from the ravages of the deadly corona virus.

But now there has been a week of immense protests, and not a word from the governor. I understand that curfews have been set, and the national guard has been called out in order to stop rioting, but that is all related only to the immediate effects of the protests. There have been no actions from our leadership to deal with the corona virus consequences of the protests.

What does this mean?? Why are government officials no longer concerned with the corona virus? If the corona virus is still dangerous, then is it not possible that a huge corona virus spike is forthcoming, due to the rapid spreading of the virus which must be occurring due to the protests??

What has happened?

Could it be that the corona virus threat has precipitously declined, and there is just so much news to report that the main stream media have not been able to report it? Could it be that the corona virus has become such a low priority that it does not even merit reporting by the media or action by the government?

Well, if so, this is really great news! It must be that the great pandemic of 2020 is over!!

I am certain that very soon, tomorrow or the next day, it will be all over the news that the corona virus is a thing of the past, and that we can all get back to real life once again.

I am still a little confused however. This is not unusual, as it seems to happen more often as I get older. But I thought, with the pandemic over, that my local church would be back in business. For some reason though, my church seems not to have received the news. All of the corona virus restrictions are still in place. I just don’t get it.

But I have an idea. Maybe if a bring a protest sign with me to Mass on Sunday . . .