In yesterday morning’s news, there was an announcement that six of the Denver metro area counties have moved to all-clear on the COVID scale. This means that vaccinated people don’t have to wear masks or stay six feet from the person ahead of you or sitting next to you. From what I have been able to tell, everyone is being a little like the 12- and 13-year-olds at a school dance. No one wants to be the first one out on the floor.

I understand that some businesses are choosing to continue to require masks. I will follow their rules and will respect their decisions. I, too, am like the 12-year-old sixth grader who doesn’t want to blaze any trails. I was happy the other day when Ace Hardware had a sign on their door that stated if we are fully vaccinated, masks were no longer required in their store. I had my mask off faster than the roadrunner escapes from the coyote. Meep meep.

I could breathe. Some of the cashiers were wearing masks and some weren’t. Some of the customers were wearing masks and some weren’t. I imagine it depended on whether or not the person was fully vaccinated. Or whether or not the person was willing to take the leap. I sure was.

I have been told that there are at least three big stores that have lifted the mask mandate: Costco, Walmart, and Trader Joe’s. There might be others, but those are three that have been mentioned.

I visited Trader Joe’s yesterday. When I walked in the door, I noticed that everyone was wearing a mask, so I quickly put mine on. Throughout the store, people were masked. As I was checking out, I asked the cashier (who was wearing a mask) if they still had their mask requirement.

“Nope,” she told me. “If you are fully vaccinated, you don’t have to wear a mask in our store.” I immediately removed my mask, and felt just like I was back in grade school and had stuck out my tongue when Sr. Colista’s back was turned. But I kept it off.

I explained to Bill (who was with me and also took off his mask) that I felt it was my duty as a citizen to go without a mask when a business allows it. I feel compelled to be that first 12-year-old on the dance floor. He agreed. I considered burning my mask to mirror those efforts by feminists in the 1960s who burned their bras. I decided against it, however, in fear of burning down the one store that has lifted the mandate.

Costco may also have taken the big leap, but I will tell you that Bill and I were at Costco on Friday and there was not a bare face to be had. I guess it’s going to be a little at a time.

As for Walmart, I’m pretty sure the mask mandate is long gone. I just hope they keep the mandate to wear pants.

Little by little, we’re getting back to normal.