But I was angry. Angry because Abbott’s positive test underscores a lesson so many still haven’t managed to learn over the past 18 months: the SARS-CoV-2 virus that causes Covid-19 doesn’t discriminate. And while those who are vaccinated are better protected against serious illness, hospitalization or death, they can still transmit the virus to others — including those who are unvaccinated.

I’m angry that so many adults still seem oblivious to the benefits of the vaccines — and the need for continued protections like masks, especially since we’re seeing more positive cases among fully vaccinated individuals like Abbott.

I’m feeling anger, too, because I’m a parent of two children who are too young to be vaccinated. Texas hasn’t just barred public schools from requiring students, staff and teachers to wear masks — the state also does not mandate that teachers or other staff members be vaccinated. And when there are positive cases (as there already have been in Austin since the school year officially started Tuesday) schools are not required to contact-trace positive cases to identify the scope of potential clusters, and students are not required to quarantine even when they know they were exposed.