Because we have the tools to fight COVID-19 at our disposal, there’s no need for the country to go into lockdown, despite the introduction of a new variant that is sweeping the country.
It’s simple. Get vaccinated. Get the booster shot. And stay smart.
That likely will be President Joe Biden’s message today when he discusses the nation’s response to omicron.
He’ll also have no choice but to lay bare the inconvenient facts.
Still not enough Americans are vaccinated to keep the COVID-19 virus from further mutating, spreading and taking tens of thousands more lives. Today, about 61 percent of Americans are vaccinated, falling far short of the 80 percent goal to ensure widespread immunity.
Those age 5 and older can now get vaccinated.
It’s not yet known when a vaccine for those younger will be available.
BY NOW it’s clear that Americans would rather not discuss COVID-19, proving it’s become much more than a healthcare issue.
Instead, it’s about personal autonomy. My body, my choice. Big Government, keep out.
Many also have chosen to believe conspiracy theories and flat out lies about the pandemic, saying the number of cases and fatalities are inflated.
One year ago, county clerks were in the same hot seat as that of local health department directors. Then it was about the accuracy of the 2020 Election results. Today, it’s about COVID-19 tallies.
Others have gone down that same rabbit hole about the safety and efficacy of the vaccines.
An estimated 60 million Americans have not taken advantage of the vaccines because of unfounded fears and doubts.
Some ask why get the shot when you’re still advised to wear a mask? The answer is that even the vaccinated can still get and transmit the virus, so if you’re in a group where you’re uncertain about the vaccination status of those around you, a mask provides another layer of protection.
There’s also an apparent fatalism among vaccine holdouts. If we haven’t caught it by now, we’ll take our chances. Most people who get it, after all, don’t die.
That’s true. But many get really sick, putting an enormous strain on our healthcare systems and our places of work.
