With thousands of students enjoying their spring break this month, it's easy to want to contribute to the rise in COVID-19 cases to reckless partying and travel. However, the answer to this is a little more complex. In the U.S., COVID restrictions have been lifted enormously, with currently 14 states no longer enforcing masks or social distancing (NY Times). Even in California, people are permitted to in-door dine and to soon attend school once again. Naturally, such relaxed restrictions have caused greater exposure to the virus, and having a school vacation occur at the same time only adds more fuel to this fire. So, although it seems somewhat paradoxical that COVID-19 cases are surging amidst the wide distribution of vaccines, the lack of restrictions seems to be the culprit for this phenomena.
Another contributing factor is the overall decrease in general concern. As people grow accustomed to “living with the virus,” people have become generally less anxious regarding the issue COVID, prompting them to go out more and avoid the measures necessary in protecting themselves.
According to CNBC, approximately 2.5 million Americans are vaccinated every day. This equates to less than 1% of our population, meaning that although vaccinations are being distributed (and cases have declined as a whole), the dominant nature of COVID is still affecting many U.S. citizens. With this being said, in order to ensure that people stay as safe as possible during this time, experts contend that “masking and physical distancing will continue to be critical tools in preventing transmission” (Sutterhealth.org). Moreover, with such a large demand for COVID vaccinations, scientists and health organizations are working hard to distribute them as fast as possible. However, until the majority of the population can receive them, it's important to remember that COVID is still very prevalent and destructive.
Questions to Consider:
Do you believe it is justifiable for states to lift mask mandates even as cases continue to rise? (visit the NY Times article linked below for more details)
Do you think most people will be vaccinated by summer? Why or why not?
8 comments:
Just recently, the United States achieved the vaccination goal established by President Biden far earlier than initially planned, and while this does show a great deal of speed in the process, there is still much to be done. I do think that many Americans will be vaccinated by the end of the summer, but it probably will not be until fall or winter that enough people have been vaccinated to say that the vast majority has received the vaccine.
Recent increases in the number of cases may in part be due to the prevalence of newer variants with much higher rates of infection. Such variants spread far more easily, and with the lessening of restrictions, it is unsurprising to see that cases are increasing once again. There are still many things to be done in order to ensure that the country is safe, and even if restrictions are lifted in some areas, that does not necessarily mean that you should immediately be going out and doing things that were not previously allowed. It is important to proceed with caution as there is still a great deal yet to be learned about both the novel coronavirus itself, as well as the vaccines that have been developed. As we gather more data on the vaccines with their widespread distribution, it will be possible to make more informed decisions and figure out the best ways to act in accordance with what is known and available.
According to most sources, covid-19 cases are increasing in certain no places, not overall. The few places that have seen rises include Vermont, Michigan, and New York. Like Ian mentioned, this is probably caused by looser guidelines, however it is also important to point out that the amount of airline fliers has reached record levels since the pandemic began. This points to the idea that Emma made that people are feeling more comfortable living with the virus, so they are more likely to engage in more “normal” activity. This is also seen in one of the other blog posts that talks about people rushing to florida during spring break, which is a more “normal” activity to be doing. According to a NYT article, the reason the rate of new cases has plateaued is because of the inability of eastern states to contain the new variants because of looser guidelines, which are inevitably driven by political pressure. We are at a critical point - if we stay safe a little bit longer, then we will be in a much better position than if everything starts opening up right now. Also according to the CNET article below, which has quotes from experts, the vaccine will be available to those with no underlying conditions by summer. Of course, the problem will lie in getting an appointment, not whether there is enough vaccine to go around.
https://www.cnet.com/health/when-will-you-get-the-covid-19-vaccine-what-to-know-about-the-delay-priority-order-now/
https://www.nytimes.com/live/2021/03/19/world/covid-vaccine-coronavirus-cases
With the possibility for new strains of the virus, lifting mask mandates could prove to be a dangerous move. Even if there is a majority of the population who are vaccinated, it would probably be better to stay safe and be sure the pandemic passed before we remove the mandate. Especially now, where we live people are getting less and less concerned about the virus, it would definitely be increasing the possibility to spread. After seeing people's eagerness to return to normal before from before the virus before the pandemic is over, there will most likely be a surge in cases which would result with another mandate. It would be better for us to be cautious for now and not have to face the consequences in the future. Most likely, people would at least get their first shot of the vaccine by summer by how many people are already getting the vaccine.
No it is not justifiable. The vaccine can only do so much. I feel it is important that we continue to make sure covid doesn't spread as there are a lot of people who still aren't vaccinated who could struggle because of covid and it's always better safe than sorry. Until we know more about this disease and ensure safety we should do what we can to do what we know keeps us safe. I don't think most people will be vaccinated by summer just because a lot of people still don't believe in it and I don't think it will get around to everyone by summer but definitely by the end of the year covid will hopefully be mostly gone.
I think the rise of vaccinations being spread in combination with pandemic fatigue have led to covid regulations being loosened. California recently announced that vaccinations will be available to anyone 16+ starting mid - april. Because many people are feeling more comfortable and tired of the pandemic people are starting to loosen up and states are loosening guidelines. This contributes to cases rising again and the whole cycle repeating where restrictions get stricter but cases go down, then they get looser and cases go up. But with vaccines being more available I am hopeful we will be able tp breakout of this cycle soon and we just need to stay disciplined for a little while more.
No I do not think it is justifiable because I think that since cases are rising, people need to actually be safer and more cautious about what they are doing. I do not think it is fair to those who are at high risk, for other people who do not want to wear a mask to be so careless and selfish. I think a good mount of people will be vaccinated because the vaccine already was given to many people and by April, 16 year olds will be eligible to get it as well.
I do not believe it is justifiable for states to lift mask mandates even as cases continue to rise, the reason being that it is not a safe approach and will not help people get healthier. I believe that we all should continue to stick to Covid-19-friendly restrictions because the vaccine can only benefit a small majority of people in the long run. I also do not think that it is fair to those who are at high risk and don't want to get sick. I think a reasonable amount of people will be vaccinated by summer because many people have already started getting them. California announced that vaccines are available for ages 16 and up. I think that this is a good idea, so teens can get vaccinated as well as adults.
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