A tradução deste artigo se encontra no nosso site: mvtimes.com/category/portuguese—translation/.
I thought the next time I’d write about COVID-19, it would be in more of a celebratory tone. Brazil is picking up on vaccination — my entire family has been vaccinated by now, along with the families of many other Brazilian Islanders, and that’s huge. However, in the United States, cases and hospitalizations are rising among the unvaccinated, which is problematic. So once again, I’d like to ask that if you don’t yet have an appointment to get vaccinated or know of people who would like to get vaccinated, please head to the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital and book your appointment. Anyone regardless of immigration status can get vaccinated, and it’s free of charge. For individuals who are 12 years of age and up, there is a vaccine available. More information: mvhospital.org/patients_and_visitor/covid-19-updates or call 508-684-4500. The hospital has people who are equipped to help those not fluent in English.
I am back to masking indoors, and I will likely be wearing a mask for a long time. The vaccines are effective at blocking COVID-19, but no vaccine is perfect. There are still people around me who are not eligible for the vaccine, including my 8-month-old daughter. Every time I wear a mask, I reduce my exposure. However, I don’t enjoy wearing a mask, especially on hot days, but I’d rather feel a bit more secure. So if you are in the same boat, you are not alone. Masks are still a requirement when you take the ferry.
We went through a year and a half of a profound ongoing threat to our collective health and well-being, social isolation, harmful misinformation, political turmoil in the U.S. and Brazil, and financial insecurities, which left most of the world population not functioning at their best. If you continue to feel stressed out, burnt out, disconnected, depressed, you are not alone in those feelings. We experienced trauma and are now going through the motions of what trauma does to our bodies, mind, as well as relationships. Especially if you come from an oppressed community, give yourself permission to not be okay. That’s not weakness or laziness, and it is taxing. It will take a while for healing to take place.
I would also like to take an opportunity to highlight a job opening with the Food Pantry. They’re looking to hire an enthusiastic, friendly, full-time, year-round pantry associate to help their operations manager with administration and client-facing work at the Island Food Pantry. The position is 40 hours per week, with some Saturdays. Since the role will be client-facing, they’re hoping that this person will be fluent in Portuguese. The position is salaried, and they’re hoping to fill it asap. Anyone who might be interested should email kayte@igimv.org.
