It seems that as a nation, the United States may finally be approaching the light at the end of a very dark tunnel. Currently, nationwide coronavirus cases and death rates have dropped to levels that have not been reached in almost an entire year. After a long and grueling period of lockdowns, quarantines, virus testing, and social distancing, perhaps the country can begin to adjust back to life as it was pre-pandemic.
Dr. Scott Gottlieb, the former head of the Food and Drug Administration, speculates that “by June, we’re probably going to be at one infection per 100,000 people per day, which is a very low level.” Additionally, the New York Times reported that the U.S. COVID-19 rate is now just eight cases per 100,000 people, a massive drop from the most recent peak in April which sat at 22 per 100,000. Deaths caused by the coronavirus are also down 14% to an average of about 552 each day.
This significant improvement in previously detrimental coronavirus numbers can largely be attributed to the more widespread distribution of vaccinations nationwide. An estimated 50% of all Americans have received at least one vaccine shot, whether it be through Pfizer, Moderna, or Johnson & Johnson. As exciting as this is, it is important to note that many communities across the country still have very low vaccination rates, which could very well revamp the spread of the virus. It is crucial that vaccinations continue to be distributed to all those who need them.
As these incredible steps are being taken toward a return to regularity that hasn’t been seen in a year, more obstacles may begin to emerge. There is a possibility that the coronavirus could begin to mutate and adapt to the vaccines that are meant to protect against it, causing a need for boosters or adjustments. Dr. Philip J. Landrigan, a public health expert from Boston College, shared his thoughts on the matter: “My biggest concern is new strains of the virus and the need to remain vigilant in the months ahead.” The citizens of the United States do need to remain vigilant in the coming months, but should also be happy about the blossoming hope of normalcy.
Response Questions:
If you have been vaccinated, what is your opinion on the possibility of needing a booster shot in a few months time?
Do you think things will ever fully be able to return to how they were before the pandemic? If not, what lasting effects do you believe there will be in society?
Sources:
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/23/us/covid-cases-vaccinations-united-states.html
3 comments:
I don't think life will 100% go back to the way it was pre-covid. People are gonna be a lot more cautious when it comes to diseases and I don't think mask wearing will ever go away completely as people will have some left over anxiety about potentially getting sick from someone. Some stores may advertise to be socially-distant and to only allow mask wearing individuals to enter the premises. Plenty of new industries or businesses related to Covid things may either go out of business or expand and find new footing in the post pandemic world. It'll be interesting to see but I know for a fact society will be definitely changed, the impacts of a lost year won't go away so easily.
I agree with Vitaly that life will not return 100% back to normal, and I think it is also in part due to changes in the structure of society. I feel like a lot people, stores, and schools will adapt some newly acquired technologies or methods of working into their everyday function. For example, I think many classes may continue recording lessons because it is an improvement that provides extra resources for students. I think that COVID vaccinations and boosters will become like flu shots, and eventually may be put together into one shot. Overall, the need for boosters won't be a big deal. Another quick comment I wanted to make about the quick vaccination in the US is that it isn't representative of the whole world, and that the US has much better access to vaccines than many other countries, so we will be out of this a lot sooner than many other people. It will be interesting to see if the US will continue to provide shots to other countries for the years to come, or if other countries will develop their own shots/boosters to avoid extra prices. Simultaneously, I wonder if the US will begin focusing heavily on donating vaccines to 3rd world countries, because those countries are ultimately the most susceptible to more serious health affects of the virus.
Life may not go 100% back to normal, but possibly not too far off. From my own observation outside. People are already beginning to walk around in slightly busy areas without masks. Traffic is becoming a problem again. As for the booster shot, it was something people expected. Companies like Pfizer will obviously try to continue and profit off their vaccine (not saying that that's their only goal/ambition).
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