When Pam Mandel received the news that her cousin could not make it to Seattle for New Year’s Eve, she felt like a sucker.
“I had to tell you, I laughed because it was so strangely obvious in light of how terrible everything has been,” Mandel added.
Millions of Americans are having a rough time this New Year’s holiday, thanks to the omicron variant. Infections have increased across the country, forcing celebrations to be canceled.
Omicron is spreading rapidly
Omicron is on the rise. The seven-day average surpassed 300,000 for the first time, up by 80% from the previous week. Although the proportion of situations that need hospitalization or result in death is small, because the disease is so infectious, many people will be affected.
“This virus has demonstrated its capacity to adapt and change,” Dr. Rochelle Walensky, the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a White House briefing on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, the latest pandemic has made a lot of Americans very unhappy. Air travel is a nightmare. College football bowl games have been canceled. New York’s Times Square will continue to host the ball drop celebration, albeit with a considerably smaller crowd and stringent mask rules.
For many people, New Year’s Eve will be a disappointment.
The Miami Hurricanes had to withdraw from a football game and a production of the Nutcracker was called off in Florida, despite the fact that the state has tried to go full steam ahead throughout most of the pandemic.
“We’ll most likely be at home,” Lala Tanmoy Das, who lives in New York City with his wife, Eric, said.
In the country, the nation’s capital has by far the highest COVID danger level.
Das and his husband, both health-care professionals, planned some much-needed vacation time for a trip to Philadelphia to attend a New Year’s Eve party and marry the following day.
They were subsequently diagnosed with the coronavirus.
“It’s awful,” she added. “We wanted to be with our friends, and everything is cancelled. Because so many people on their guest list have tested positive, the couple was forced to postpone their wedding.”
Feelings of disappointment, anger, and isolation are all typical.
Many individuals said that they attempted to enjoy Christmas and Hanukkah with good cheer and a stiff upper lip. Many, however, complained about the disappointments of New Year’s Eve, making them feel angry and alone.
“We’re frightened to have feelings about what’s going on right now, and it appears to be very unhealthy,” Mandel added. “Everyone is sitting at home quietly by themselves while I feel strongly that I’d want to shout about it.”
It’s not simply about maintaining a healthy body and mind versus isolation and dejection for individuals.
Susan Patterson was once again forced to cancel the “First Night” festival in Saranac Lake, N.Y., which she helps organize, for the second year in a row.
“We had a few hundred individuals who regularly attended,” she recalled, noting that winters in her state’s northern region are lengthy and social gatherings are important.
“People have been calling to tell me how sorry they are,” she added. “I’m a little concerned that after two years of not doing it, we’ll lose momentum and enthusiasm.”
Despite the fact that she was alone, Patterson claimed that organizing the festival is also an important aspect of her winter — a method to connect and rejoice.
She sighed and shook her head. “I’m not sure what I’ll do on New Year’s Eve. Nothing, I guess.”
The holidays, according to experts, can be emotionally trying for many people whether or not there is a pandemic. Magdalena Bak-Maier, a neuroscientist and wellness coach who spoke with NPR, said connecting with others whenever possible this season is particularly vital.
“We can’t do it alone, so when people are feeling helpless in any circumstance, we should reach out for help through every possible method rather than isolating ourselves and attempting to manage our feelings on our own,” said Bak-Maier.
“I’d want to encourage people to consider how they might build the next 24 hours,” she added. “How will you ensure that you have something nice to look forward to and take back control?”
Meanwhile, for those who wish to meet and rejoice despite the epidemic of omicron disease, public health experts are advising caution.
Most secure are those who have been vaccinated and received their booster shots. Wearing high-quality masks and keeping social distance away when feasible can also assist reduce your risk. New York Gov. Kathy Hochul also advised people to congregate outside if the weather permits at a briefing this week.
“It’s a little chilly, especially in upstate New York, but it’ll be worth it when you can spend time with your loved ones and buddies at the end of next year,” Hochul remarked.
Anyone feeling unwell should definitely avoid this year’s parties, according to health officials.
“If you’re sniffling, not feeling well, stay at home,” Hochul advised. “Watch the ball drop on television, have a nice glass of champagne, and know you made the right decision.”
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