The test of whether or not we will get back to some sort of normalcy began last week when the Escambia County (Ala.) School System opened its doors for students.
A lot of churches and other organizations have decided to see things go in schools for a few weeks before they decide to open their doors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A little normalcy did take place with football players back on the field and bands rehearsing their halftime shows.
But what is our definition of normal? We personally don't think we'll get back to the normal lifestyles we all enjoyed a few years ago. But we'll try to get back as normal as we can.
The latest statistics from the Escambia County (Ala.) Health Care Authority show the county has 1,087 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and 17 deaths. The same statistics show the county has tested 5,945 of the 38,319 residents of the county. That 38,319 figure is coming from the 2010 census and if people don't fill out their census forms that number will drop but that's an issue for another editorial. The number of people won't drop but the amount of federal dollars will be cut drastically.
There are risks with starting school and there are risks with playing football. The PAC 12 and Big 10 have called it quits on football. Whether or not others follow if something we don't know.
We talked to Flomaton head football coach Doug Vickery and he said he was optimistic about the upcoming football season. He realized there are risks, but he thinks it's important for the students to play football, for the band to do band and for the cheerleaders to cheer.
“We have risks every day,” Vickery said. “We take a risk every time we get into a vehicle. You have to trust a higher power. You can't live your life in fear.”
Everything possible is being done to protect students and teachers, and we agree with Vickery, we can't live our lives in fear.
