Spring. Longer days, warmer weather and a fresh start. Often, the word spring also is paired with break, travel or events. 

With the presence of COVID-19 in our community for more than a year, we know the virus changes the way seasonal events look. In 2021, change and adapting is the name of the game, By now, we’re masters of finding new ways to operate and celebrate.

Just as spring was about to begin last year, a stay-at-home order was announced in Colorado. Students in Mesa County School District 51 didn’t return to classrooms after spring break. 

Many people had to adapt to working in new ways. Offices transitioned to remote work, resulting in the postponement of annual conferences. Virtual options were implemented with success. A new way of doing business emerged. Video conferencing and the phrase “you need to unmute” became catchphrases in exchanges.

As another spring returns, we’ve made major strides in controlling the coronavirus pandemic. Illness levels are reduced from peaks in November and December. A mass vaccination site is administering on average 1,000 doses of COVID-19 vaccine a day. Other clinics across our community offer shots in arms, too.

The more COVID-19 vaccine doses our community receives, the closer we are to a return to the Western Colorado we all know and love — including spring events.

Mesa County Public Health has been working with local businesses as well as agencies and institutions in offering best practices and guidance for our community and economy to reopen.

Baseball is back. The announcement the Junior College World Series will return to Suplizio Field constitutes welcome news for our community and economy. 

There are other reasons to look forward to spring. In Western Colorado, we’re able to get outdoors and enjoy a diverse offering of activities and amenities. 

Mesa County Public Health recommends you stay close to home and far apart from those who aren’t in your immediate household. To best protect yourself and those around you, traveling and gathering in large groups in close proximity indoors is still not advised. 

We need each member of our community to remain dedicated to getting rid of COVID-19. If we continue to wear our masks, remain socially distanced and wash our hands as well as protect each other through vaccination, the summer looks to be filled with more traditional fun. 

If we continue to work as one community, we can have a summer to remember — one we all long to enjoy.