Is it just me or are people forgetting that COVID is still a real thing? Yes, we have vaccines and boosters in place, but people are still dying. That part just hasn’t gone away.

And yes, a lot of people are more comfortable than last year, myself included. But, if you ask me, when I know of someone who has tested positive, I don’t want to be around them. I think they should fully wait their time quarantining and wear a mask after, correctly, until the virus isn’t contagious anymore or retest until they get a negative.

According to the Hillsborough County COVID Protocols, if one has tested positive for COVID, there are a couple of different options they can take. The first option is waiting 10 days since the positive test and at least 24 hours since the last fever without any medication to lower it. The second option is waiting five days since the positive test and after symptoms are gone, one is allowed to be around people but, must wear a mask for an additional five days. I want to point out that it says once “symptoms have resolved.” That doesn’t mean just being a little congested or having a little cough, you are in the clear. That is in the list of symptoms.

This new protocol does not require a negative test. In my opinion, that is not very smart because how is someone exactly sure that they are not contagious anymore without that negative test. Personally, I would not be completely comfortable with someone who is out and about, even with a mask on, after five days. If they are, they should stay six or more feet away. If one goes back too soon, with symptoms, people may feel uncomfortable. This may make one feel out of place but I believe you would be doing that to yourself. Get a negative test or wait the time. Simple as that.

I, as well as many others, am around my family constantly. A lot of them are considered in the “high risk” categories. Even though these new protocols consider someone “not contagious” after five days, I feel there is another side to it. If someone doesn’t feel comfortable with you around them, you should see what you can do to make them feel safe.

Be courteous of other people around you. If you are going to be around a lot of other people and they don’t feel comfortable, stay away or get a negative test to make sure the disease is not spreading.