Well, here we are. Four months later, we are still feeling the effects of the much-publicized COVID-19 pandemic. However, we have seen change, at least in some areas of the world.

Previously hard-hit areas such as New York and New Jersey have seen various businesses and restaurants reopen with restrictions like mask-wearing and social distancing measures. Schools have begun to reopen as well, albeit controversially, with administrations offering both in-person and remote learning. Guidelines have been put in place in an attempt to prevent potential virus outbreaks, including having people fill out surveys prior to coming into buildings.

Of course, we are not completely out of the woods yet, as there have been other areas that have still seen high Coronavirus case numbers, such as Florida, Texas, and the Carolinas. Governors and medical officials have consistently stressed the importance of continued social distancing and mask-wearing in order to combat potential virus resurgences.

Additionally, medical experts have been working around the clock in an attempt to produce a vaccination, which has been said to be key in the attempt to return to “normal” life. In fact, there are multiple vaccines currently in Phase 3 trials, which means that volunteers will be vaccinated, and the effectiveness of the vaccine will be monitored over the course of the next few months to determine if it is “safe and effective”.

A vaccine wouldn’t be expected to become widely available until sometime next year, but head medical expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci, has stated that he is “cautiously optimistic” about the prospects of a vaccination. As things are looking right now, the COVID-19 pandemic definitely still poses a threat to us. As long as we take it seriously and make smart choices, like wearing masks in public, we can conquer the virus and help out our essential workers and medical experts until the day a vaccine gets approved.