The recent COVID-19 update has shown that there has been an 8% increase in people testing positive for COVID-19 even though there has been an increased percentage of people and residents who are up to date with the COVID-19 vaccine.

MECA seniors attended their freshman year entirely online, so the 2021-2022 school year was their first year attending on campus.

Cai Leung, a senior at MECA, feels relaxed about attending school on campus. 

They have noticed that “COVID protocols have become much more lenient.” This gives the school a sense of normalcy again. 

Even though the mask restrictions have been lifted, some students, like Leung, choose to wear one. “I personally still wear a mask but I do get questions on it every now and then which does show that it’s become rare nowadays,” they stated. 

Chemistry and Anatomy teacher, Tiffany Banh feels that the engagement levels of students were higher immediately after quarantine. However, she notices, “students are still engaged in class for the most part, now that things seem to have returned to normal I also think that initial eagerness and excitement has faded.” 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently concluded that “The federal COVID-19 PHE declaration” had ended on May 11, 2023. Still, the CDC says that they will continue to update and share the data change for COVID-19.

Tiffany Banh clears up the confusion regarding the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. “Vaccines work by giving your immune system a kind of ‘preview’ of the virus, just enough so that your immune system knows what it’s dealing with so it can protect you from the actual virus,” explained Banh. 

The reason people may feel sick after receiving a vaccination is due to the “preview” of the virus, but it will help them to not experience as severe symptoms as those who are not vaccinated. 

Banh urges people to get vaccinated, not only for themselves but for “protecting our immunocompromised peers,” she stated. Banh expands,  “Immunocompromised individuals are those who have weaker immune systems and will be more severely impacted if they contract COVID-19 as a result.” As a teacher, she notices when students attend school, even though they are sick. Even if someone does not have COVID-19, she tells students, “Wear a mask if you’re coughing or sniffling, wash/sanitize your hands, and please stay home if you don’t feel well!”

Leung appreciates how health-conscious students have become. They explained, “Kids do know when they feel sick and should stay home… everyone is a little more clean after the pandemic (things like washing our hands more and wiping the tables) and I personally appreciate that.”

Thankfully, since many people have been up to date with their COVID-19 vaccine, we can only hope that COVID-19 will not spread much anymore.