The writers probably should have left Covid out of the present day storyline. It's become distracting. The common incorrect use of mask wearing and random comments of being tested or vaccinated before characters see each other is distracting and unnecessary. Zero reason to incorporate Covid (Beth having to close her studio is the only time it was involved in the story). I wish they'd either have used it more to guide the characters or just left it out. Since they filmed scenes of the past with no issue, they really didn't need to distract the viewers who are trying to escape from reality for an hour.