2021 is speculated to bring cheer to Rochester, NY for many Rochestarians with the COVID vaccine nearing widespread public release. The vaccine will give many people who live in Rochester much hope for the sudden increase in cases of Covid-19 in 2021. 

In November 2020, Covid-19 cases reached almost 8% positivity rate in Monroe County. Now, in as of January 10, 2021 cases are up to a 9.2% positive rate, showing that the vaccine can’t be distributed quick enough to ensure 2021 is a better year than last year.

Most of the population has realized that this pandemic is a real issue and that it will not change nor get less severe if they don’t put in the effort to stop the spread. Covid-19 has ruined many opportunities for jobs, fun, education and many other sorts of everyday activities we used to enjoy before.

This will definitely change in 2021 since the information is known how to crack down on cases, not only in Monroe County, but also the rest of the U.S.  Students and workers show way more positive outcomes in their work when they are hands-on and can actually see their work in person. 

The vaccine being distributed and given out right now has had positive results already and will continue to show good results as time goes on.

“The first line will be the people taking care of the Covid patients,” says Mrs. Donna Winters, a Cardiology Administrator at Strong Memorial Hospital. The vaccine does not only prevent a person from getting the coronavirus, but it also creates antibodies inside the body, making it that if a persons get the virus again it knows how to fight it off and defeat very quickly.  

 As a student at McQuaid Jesuit, one of the only schools in Monroe County that is fully in in-person school, I can say that it is so much better being in the building and being social with my friends and being able to talk to my teachers face to face to actually learn the material and get out of the house on a daily basis, unlike during the quarantine of 2020. Many teachers feel the same way. 

“I feel safe here at school, I think all the kids are doing well with keeping their masks on in my classes”, says Mrs. Tracey O’Brien, a math teacher at McQuaid Jesuit. Not being able to work “hands on” can not only affect students, but how teachers can present their lessons and teach effectively. 

2021 is a great year to get out of the rut we were stuck in for most of 2020, and the best way to do that is to stay healthy and do your part in helping stop the spread of coronavirus.