As of Wednesday, 100 Northeast Michiganders had died after being infected with the coronavirus, according to local public health data.

Our heart breaks.

For 11 months now, this virus has been with us, changing every aspect of our lives. Canceling our events. Scrapping our travel plans. Stopping us from even hugging the ones we love.

But no consequence of this pandemic is more severe than forever losing a loved one. Our condolences to all who have been so affected. Our prayers are with you.

To everyone else, please, continue to take this virus seriously.

We’ve received good news enough on the virus front for bars and restaurants to reopen and high school sports to resume. Vaccines are rolling out — nearly 13,000 shots given by midweek last week — and we are, God willing, rounding the bend toward the end of this pandemic.

But we’re not out of the woods, yet, and there are risks — including the many virus variants — that could stall our progress.

So, please, get your vaccine when it’s your turn. And, until health experts give us the all-clear, continue to wear your mask in public, stay six feet away from those outside your household, wash your hands frequently, and otherwise protect yourself and others.

(THE ALPENA NEWS)