Are we close to getting back to normal?

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) -It is likely the most-asked question in the US and around the world, is the worst of the pandemic behind us?

New cases are at their lowest point since July of last year. Mask mandates are ending almost everywhere. And most places that had been closed are now reopening.

The COVID-19 pandemic has gone on for about two years now with different variants and spikes coming and going. However, now more than ever, fewer people are wearing masks and one testing center in Mitchell County even closed its drive-thru COVID testing site Wednesday.

According to CDC numbers, about three out of four people in the US have received at least one dose of the vaccine. About 65 % are fully vaccinated. With more people vaccinated and fewer people getting sick, it seems fair to ask if the pandemic is calming down or coming to a close.

Jamye Ivey is a citizen of Albany.

“I think it’s calming down a great deal, but I think we should be prepared. I think we should be aware and careful,” Ivey said. “I’m glad it’s opening back up, but I’m glad they’re doing it with reasonable care and not just jumping right into it, so that’s good.”

Kim Campbell is the lead COVID-19 tester for Mako Medical at First Baptist Church of Camilla. This particular site conducted its final day of testing Wednesday due to a decrease in COVID cases. She also emphasizes that while the virus is calming down, people still need to be careful.

I think everybody still needs to be cautious because it still could pick back up,” Campbell said. “Still continue wearing masks and washing your hands. Just be careful because you never know. It’s still out there.”

However, Campbell warns that she thinks there could be a spike after spring break with people traveling and whatnot.

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