It was last Thursday when the CDC released new information regarding mask-wearing and social distancing guidelines that have been in effect for more than a year now. They claimed that masks can be taken off and social distancing doesn’t have to be enforced in public places if indeed people are fully vaccinated. This amid 12-15 year old individuals now being eligible to get the shots, as well as controversy about people saying, “not so fast.”

Nonetheless, the Central Catholic community has concluded that mask-wearing will be enforced throughout the end of the year. In a statement released by Principal Walswick via the Aeries Communication System, he says, “The boys have been really good and we do not want to make such a big change so close to the end of the school year when we are focusing on final exams and projects.” It continues on to say, “The question continues to be raised: what about summer school and school in the fall? Central Catholic will continue to review CDC, state, local, and archdiocesan guidance and then issue specific protocols and policies to families.”

Nurse Patsy has been all on the subject recently, and says that no one knows for sure at this point who has been vaccinated, and says Central will not jump the gun when it comes to relaxing the protocols. “We will get together mid-July  and kind of revisit again and see where we are at at that point.” She continues, “It’s still too early to determine where we will be at that point.”

Another big announcement last week was that 12-15 year old individuals are now eligible to get vaccinated with the Pfizer version of the vaccine. This has contributed to a major addition in people who have at least gotten one shot in the city of San Antonio.

“If we have the majority of our student body and administration vaccinated, then I think it’s a good indication that MAYBE we can go mask free next school year but I don’t want to make any promises,” she says.

She also has these words to encourage everyone to get vaccinated: “It’s not a matter of protecting yourself, but you also have to protect others around you. And, working the ER outside of here, how people come in and how sick they are, for me, it’s an illness you don’t want to have. Even if you’re healthy, or you’re not, it’s worth getting it even if we don’t know what the outcomes are years down the road.”

Nurse Patsy has also been contributing to vaccination efforts around the school, just for the students and parents. She says it has been running smoothly thus far, and hopes to get more people, including those under 16, vaccinated. The CDC has been able to clarify some of the rules and getting the word out that only people who are fully vaccinated do not have to wear masks in large, or public areas.