As COVID-19 cases and deaths begin to decrease, the world is beginning to return to a form of normalcy. Students are starting to attend school fully in person, but still follow the guidelines by the CDC by wearing masks and practicing social distancing.

In some states, like Texas, the mask mandate has been lifted due to the case numbers dropping and vaccines being distributed. People are now free to choose whether or not they wear their masks in public areas. However, this is controversial on account of the many concerns citizens have regarding the lack of protection. A handful of public places still require masks for entry in the best interest of the customers and keeping their business open. 

Saint John Vianney High School in Holmdel, New Jersey is one of the many schools in the state that is heading to a full in-person reopening. Since September, SJV students have been on either a hybrid schedule going in and out of school depending on their cohort day or have remained fully virtual the entire school year. Beginning April 19th for SJV students, there will be the option to choose between going to school in person every day or remaining fully virtual for the remainder of the school year.  

SJV student Taylor Schlein shared her opinion about the reopening of her school, “I’m excited. I miss seeing my friends and conversing with my peers and teachers face to face.” Many students feel the same as Taylor does in the social aspect. However, another student, Lauren DeMuria, is not too thrilled about this reopening, “I don’t want to go back. I would have to wake up earlier and take the bus. I would also have to wear my uniform again after just wearing sweats every day.”

On top of schools reopening, restrictions on sports, indoor and outdoor, have started to lift. Some sports teams are getting creative in their ways of keeping the team safe and continuing their seasons. Sal Agosta, a track athlete and SJV student said, “My track team split itself up into groups so that if one group has someone that contracts coronavirus, the rest of the team doesn’t have to get shut down.” SJV track is on their way to a full-length season with this team rule.

As the restrictions lift, it is essential to still be cautious and aware that people can and still are getting sick. To slow down the spread of the virus, be sure to add “get the COVID-19 vaccine” to your to-do list if you are of age. Be mindful of those around you as you return to the life of normalcy as we once knew it.