The latest is described in this article: “A new coronavirus variant is on the rise. Here’s why experts are concerned.”
The No. 1 issue is low vaccination rates in some states. Those will be the most vulnerable to a more contagious variant that is now spreading in the United States.
Traditionally, we think about the fall as the time for the virus to have a resurgence, but if you recall in July last year there was also a spike in cases. Many people today, and there will be more, are stopping all precautions about social distancing and wearing a mask. They are behaving as though the pandemic is over — but it isn’t.
Last night was the first time my wife and I got together indoors with my son’s family. Everyone is fully vaccinated, so there were no masks and I found out how rusty my ping pong game really is — bad, bad. Eighteen months without playing is not good.
And then there is the virus — it will not stop mutating. New variants will still keep being discovered and hopefully the vaccine makers can keep up with the level of protection that we have had to date.
I’m also hopeful that there might be a booster shot for COVID-19 coming out later this year that improves efficacy on a broader range of variants.
Lately, I had two conversations with people. One was a neighbor who is not getting the vaccine for religious reasons. Another, relayed to me thirdhand, was about an older couple. The wife spent 19 days in the hospital and almost died from COVID-19. The husband, when asked about getting the vaccine, said, “I don’t need it.” OK, so be it! But both of the above actions put all of us at more risk.
