By Jerry Kruse, MD, MSPH SIU School of Medicine We have now reached the one-year anniversary of our response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As the burden of cases in our region and in the U.S. declines, there is widespread optimism that the pandemic may be waning. There is good reason for optimism, and some reasons for pessimism. Optimism: We’re On Course. There has been a great decline in newly diagnosed COVID-19 cases since late January. Central Illinois now sit in one of the areas of lowest activity. Many areas have loosened their guidance and regulations for preventive measures. Whole states have done this, Mississippi and Texas to name two. This is premature. As the mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, said last week, in a challenge to the new state policy, “It is not wise to declare victory in the third quarter.” Yes, indeed!