Everyone knows about the most recent mask mandate. It is why our Winter Formal was pushed back, and the reason that we have to walk around without seeing any facial expressions. It is supposed to end on February 3rd, this Thursday. But we have been promised an end before, so can we really trust it?

We were blessed to start the school year off without masks. Now, it was by preference, and those who wanted to wear them were totally able to. However, the majority decided to let their faces feel free and put COVID behind us. Unfortunately, our roll with moving on was halted on January 10th when the mask mandate was put back into place for schools in Broomfield because of the rise of the Omicron variant. Since the beginning of this most recent mandate, the date of its end has always been February 3rd, which is a good sign. However, when it comes to COVID, end dates never seem to actually be the end.

Since the deadline is creeping up close and no changes have been made, I am starting to feel more confident that we will be able to put this mask-filled month behind us. However, I am not sure if it is worth getting my hopes up if they decide to change it at the last minute.

Masks are a hassle that no one really wants to deal with. Since the surge of Omicron is dying down, I think it is safe to say that it would not be harmful to end the mandate. Epidemiologists for the state of Colorado are looking “cautiously optimistic” since the cases are dropping. Experts even say that by mid-February, immunity for this variant should be at about 80 percent thanks to vaccines, boosters, and natural immunities from everyone getting the virus. So, I am hoping that Thursday truly does mark the end of the surge and wearing face coverings.

The only consistency that COVID has brought with it is inconsistency. The back and forth on cases and mandates has always been difficult to keep up with, causing anxiety and annoyance. Hopefully the mask mandate really does end when promised, and does not come back later in the year. I am looking forward to actually being able to smile at people in the halls, and hope it happens this week!