It almost feels like r”l this year could be more chaotic/dangerous because of restrictions on the one hand and people ignoring them on the other hand.
I agree. We have a chalaka this year, or we wouldn't be going at all. I, for one am very nervous about it and would just as soon skip it, but my SIL wants to at least try. If we are unable to get all the way, we will just do the chalaka wherever the bus ends up stopping, and not try to fight our way up.