“COVID is still with us,” Dr. Nicola Mercer, CEO of Wellington-Dufferin-Guelph Public Health, said in a June 9 interview. “It simply came to our notice then. Either you get sick, or worse. “But now we all have a little bit of control over how it affects us.” Vaccine orders have now been lifted and provincial mask orders will be lifted this weekend, although some arrangements, such as local hospitals and the province’s long-term care and nursing homes, still require masks. But for the most part, people can make a living, see family and friends, take vacations and everything they have missed in the last two years. However, many people assume that they will stick to COVID-19 despite their best efforts, and this is just the new reality. DR. Nicholas Mercer “I hear it too, but do you want to take it a day or two before your daughter’s wedding? Your graduation? Your new job or your vacation? “It can be quite effective in a negative way,” Mercer said. “You probably do not want to miss your daughter’s wedding. So check out this piece. “Stay informed about your vaccine. Wear a mask for the two weeks before your event. “Do what you can to tame the virus.” While the virus is still circulating, it is circulating at low levels. “This is largely the result of hot weather and more outdoor life, and this is a hallmark of respiratory illness,” Mercer said. For the same reasons, Mercer expects to see a seventh wave in the fall as we all move indoors again. Unless there is a stronger and more deadly strain, Mercer said it expects that there will be clinics for COVID-19 booster vaccines as there are for the flu. Mercer said at the moment, anyone 60 and older is fit for two shots and two boost shots. Those aged 12 and over can get two vaccines plus a souvenir. You can make an appointment at public health or through family doctors. Health Canada is expected to approve the vaccine for children aged six months to five years by the end of June and there will be more about it as soon as it is available. “We already had contact with Family Health Teams,” Mercer said. “We will need family doctors to give the vaccine to young children.” Masks are optional in most settings and that’s okay, Mercer said. Wear a mask or do not wear a mask, according to your own level of comfort. But masks offer protection and are a good idea before the holidays or other important events. So do not judge those who wear a mask or those who do not, said Mercer. “I know a lot of people are ready to move on, but my best advice is to find out about the vaccine,” he said. “This is the best way to be less affected by COVID-19.”