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Here we go again.
School sports have been halted. Indoor dining is banned. Shopping establishments are limited to 50-percent capacity. Public buildings are being closed and limited access allowed by appointment only.
It's all temporary, and it's all because of the raging COVID-19 pandemic.
Raging, yes. The nationwide death toll is spiraling upward. More than 300,000 since it began early this year. The one-day death toll recently topped 3,000 -- more than occurred on D-Day or Sept. 11, 2001.
We've watched the obituary columns increase dramatically in this newspaper this month. While on most days, the obituaries fit on one page, recent weeks have seen at least two pages of obituaries on most days and more on some days.
Some of those indicate the person died as a result of complications from COVID-19. We know from watching these pages over the years that there is an increase in obituaries that begin around the holidays and continue into the winter months, and we suspect some of the increase also may be a result of an aging Baby Boom population. The first of those born in the Baby Boom generation would be 74 years old this year.
But COVID-19 certainly is a factor. Here in Lycoming County, we were up to 38 deaths as of the end of November, according to state Department of Health. Three weeks into December, that number has more than doubled. Where are we today? You can look to the numbers in a chart on the front page for the most recent statistic.
This is distressing, to say the least. Nursing homes again have become hotbeds with residents and staff becoming infected in many places. Area hospitals report being at or near capacity.
And here it is, less than a week before Christmas, and this may further promote another surge. The story seems to be surge upon surge upon surge. Will it ever end?
The good news is that, as of this past Monday, the vaccine began to be administered to front-line personnel. Nursing homes may begin to get the vaccine on Monday. Most people won't have access to it until next year.
The vaccines cannot be rolled out fast enough.
Until there is widespread availability, everyone should follow the simple protocol established early on. Wash your hands. Wear a mask. Avoid big gatherings. Socially distance yourself and your family.
"We would continue to emphasize that COVID is very real and it is very dangerous," Dr. David Lopatofsky, CMO of UPMC in the Susquehanna Region, said.
"It is more important than ever to practice health measures, masking, staying home when you're feeling sick and avoiding gatherings," he emphasized. "They work. They are simple and they are critically important and they really make a difference."
Back to Christmas. It's Friday. We would like to suggest that the best gift you can give is to stay strong and stay healthy for those you love and who depend on you. While it's hard to imagine not getting together with extended family, that could be a life saver this year.
By this time next year, our hopes are that we can pick up with our traditions and be surrounded by friends and family -- all of them, alive and well.