We were told to stay at home, but shopping for essentials was permitted - and that's where the people gathered and bought toilet paper if they could.

This time last year, we were breathing sighs of relief that 2020 was over and merrily predicting 2021 would be better. It had to be.

It wasn't.

In many respects, the past year was more challenging than 2020 as COVID-19 up-ended our lives again.

First, the Delta variant and, more recently, Omicron forced significant changes to how we lived and how governments influenced our existence.

Restrictions, lockdowns and vaccination mandates dominated the year in ways we hope we never experience again.

As we wake up to a new year, it's impossible to be confident about 2022. COVID-19 will again present challenges, but like we did this year, we should draw strength from the resilience and patience we showed in the past to get through and eke out rewarding lives.

While the pandemic leaves us apprehensive, there's plenty to look forward to in 2022.

We have a federal and state election, with both incumbent governments trying their hardest to remain in power.

The region is growing; parts of the region are seemingly thriving despite the impacts of COVID shutdowns, yet real challenges threaten our economy and social fabric. We have a worker shortage and a lack of affordable housing.

How will our leaders step up and finally address this long-standing issue?

Collectively there is plenty to be bullish about; individually though, 2022 will most likely start slowly as we hopefully regain freedoms from COVID.

At this point on the COVID pandemic ride, the only thing we can truly rely on is common sense - wearing masks in indoor environments (other than home), social distance, washing hands, and - the big one - staying at home if you are feeling unwell.

However, as an acquaintance said to me once, "common sense is not so common".

Let's hope it becomes more common than this Coronavirus, in its many mutations, that has dominated our lives for almost two years.

Stay safe and make common sense a priority from the whole team at The Ararat Advertiser.

Ben Fraser

Editor