Some signs of normalcy are on the horizon as residents are receiving the coronavirus vaccine and the county’s institutions of higher learning are switching to in-person instruction in several weeks.

However, there are two qualities that county residents should continue to exercise for the foreseeable future — patience and an abundance of caution.

Last week, Slippery Rock University and Butler County Community College noted that at least a percentage of their classes could be conducted in person starting in early February — while the remainder of the classes will continue to be online.

Meanwhile, the state is offering the COVID-19 vaccine to medical professionals, persons between the ages of 16 and 64 with comorbidities and anyone age 65 and above, although Butler Health System is only offering it to those in the medical field and persons above the age of 75.

News reports last week noted the United States bungled its early rollout of the vaccines, and many states are currently experiencing a shortage of doses.

The U.S. death toll from the virus is expected to cross 500,000 at some point next month, and federal health officials are warning the pandemic could take months to slow down.

As a result, the county commissioners last week advised residents to be patient as the federal government, state and county deal with various issues related to the rollout of the vaccines.

In short, although better days may be on the horizon, we’re not there yet.

The pandemic continues to rage through communities across the United States — including our own.

On Thursday, the United States reported its second highest daily death toll — 4,375 deaths — since the beginning of the pandemic.

So, don’t fool yourself into thinking that things are back to normal, and don’t abandon the safety habits to which you’ve become accustomed just yet. Even those who have been vaccinated need to keep up these practices as questions still linger as to whether the vaccinated can still carry the virus and infect others.

For now, keep wearing your masks whenever you’re in public or around others. Continue to social distance by at least 6 feet from persons outside of your immediate household. And wash your hands frequently and avoid touching your face.

With the virus likely to run its course later this year and two vaccines being dispersed, better days are on the way. But we’re not there yet — continue to be vigilant and considerate and adhere to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommendations.

— NCD