@valpoguy Hello and welcome to Connect. I do share your concerns about Covid and public transportation as well. Would you be able to drive to Mayo Clinic or have a friend drive you there? I wouldn't recommend doing that in January and February because winters can be epic in Minnesota, and you need to be prepared with reliable transportation and warm clothing, and be prepared for survival in case of a breakdown.

Catching Covid can get medical appointments canceled. I went through surgery at Mayo on my ankle in 2020 during the pandemic, again last fall, and both times, I had to avoid people so I could stay healthy and pass the Covid tests I would get prior to my scheduled surgeries.

I have been using the N95 masks that I got at the pharmacy whenever I go into a store. I get my shopping done quickly, and have hand sanitizer in my car, although in the heat of summer, I don't leave it my car because of the alcohol content which is flammable. I wash my hands often, and when I return home.

Vaccines do help, but as you know, they do not prevent Covid infections, but can reduce the severity.

Have you contacted your primary care doctor and otho doctor about precautions and their recommendations for your health? You do have to weigh the risks of not seeing your providers and not getting medical check ups done in a timely manner. That could affect your health negatively or something can be missed that is more easily treated early.

How far would you have to travel to get to Mayo? Are some of your needs things that could be addressed locally where you live?