We have waited for this moment — the arrival of a vaccine for COVID-19, the dreadful virus that has taken the lives of more than 304,000 people across the country, including more than 4,500 Virginians, and impacted the lives of hundreds of thousands others who have been stricken and/or hospitalized during this pandemic.

So far, we believe the plan to inoculate health care and critical front line workers first is a good one. And we hope as the plan comes to fruition and the doses of available vaccine increase that African-Americans, Latinos and other minorities who have suffered disproportionately under this pandemic will be able to receive the shots in greater numbers.

The hesitancy of some within our community to be vaccinated is understandable, given the horrible history of mistreatment and brutal experimentation by the medical community on people of color.

And while federal and state health officials are touting the efficacy and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines approved by the Federal Drug Administration, we hope the vaccine distribution will be done with a sense of fairness and equity for those in our community who want it.

The vaccine is free. No one taking it will have to pay, state officials have stressed. And only when the vaccine becomes widespread will we have a chance of breaking free from the grip of this pandemic.

Until then, we urge our readers to continue to wear masks outdoors in public spaces and indoors in public and shared spaces, regardless of whether you have received the vaccine.

Health and safety also dictate that we continue to wash our hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and to socially distance at a minimum of 6 feet.

We hope the light at the end of the tunnel with this vaccine is truly a ray of hope.