Surge ebbing?

THUMBS UP: After the omicron variant pushed through Minnesota and sent COVID-19 cases surging in January, the number of new cases seems to be on the wane in February, according to public health statistics. This is certainly good, encouraging news, but we’ve all learned that COVID is unpredictable. A new variant may be just around the corner.

We should continue to maintain common sense precautions, including getting vaccinated if you haven’t already been.

It is vexing that the FDA has suddenly backtracked on its recommendation to vaccinate those under age 5, but those over 5 will still benefit from the protection a vaccine can provide.

Time to stay inside

THUMBS UP: There have been no shortages of outdoor recreational activities the past few weekends, with ice fishing contests and snowmobile hill-climbing races.

But this weekend may be a good time for staying warm inside, especially on Sunday night when the Super Bowl will be played in sunny Los Angeles. After the frigid winds and sub-zero wind chills we have been experiencing, it will be nice to stay in, watch the game and imagine there are palm trees swaying outside.