It’s heartening to see signs Morgantown is emerging from the pandemic. Businesses are opening back up; workers are returning to offices; restaurants are re-opening dining rooms — and the BOPARC Sounds of Summer concert series is back after a COVID-induced one-year hiatus.
We say “emerging” because we’re not quite out the other side yet. Unfortunately, West Virginia has stalled at 52% of the population with at least one dose of the vaccine and only 42% fully vaccinated — still a far cry from the number needed for herd immunity.
The good news, however, is the concert series is outdoors at Krepps Park in Suncrest. The fresh air makes it COVID-safer — compared to an indoor venue, that is — and it’s a great way to bolster the performing arts after a year in which in-person shows got the hook.
Until we hit that 70% vaccination rate, though, smaller outdoor concerts are all we’ll be able to safely have. If we want real concerts and shows (think: stadiums and theaters packed wall-to-wall with spectators), we need as many people to get vaccinated as possible.
If you’re not sure how or where to get a vaccine, go to https://www.vaccines.gov/ for help. To paraphrase Gov. Jim Justice: If you won’t do it for anyone else, do it for Baby Dog (or a chance to win $1 million).
