The Omicron Variant is spreading. As much as I hate talking about COVID-19, Omicron is prominent in our world today. Life hasn’t felt normal since the infamous first week of March two years ago. Not only has it affected our school, our sports, and our social lives, it has also affected our sanity.
You probably already know how fast Omicron is spreading. In almost every class of mine, someone is online because of COVID-19. The CDC is unaware of how fast Omicron spreads compared to the Delta variant, but they do know that it can spread to anyone. This includes those who are vaccinated and those who have no symptoms. These symptoms include cough, fever, sore throat, fatigue, headaches, and congestion.
I was able to speak to a classmate with COVID-19 in order to understand how the Omicron variant affects high school students. As soon as they picked up the phone I could tell their voice was raspy, “I have a cough and I am starting to lose my voice,” they said, “I also have a headache and a runny nose.” After talking to them further, their symptoms seemed to be similar to a head cold.
AHA is continuing to mandate masks in the building. According to our school website, AHA’s main focus is keeping the students and faculty safe. AHA follows the same rules and precautions that the CDC and the Minnesota Department of Health recommend. If you or your parents have any other questions involving COVID-19, feel free to email our COVID Coordinator, whose email can be found under “COVID-19” on AHA’s website.
As for the city of Richfield, mask-wearing is required in all city-owned buildings. This includes the Ice Arena where our Girls and Boys hockey teams practice. If you are going to a store in Richfield, make sure to bring a mask with you in case they mandate them.
The best way to handle all these changes is to be prepared. While I know we all want life to return to the way it was before this pandemic started, the best way to do that is by adhering to school policy. We must continue to keep ourselves and others safe.
