Posted on 03/16/2021 5:27:59 PM PDT by lightman
The U.S. has seen some progress in its battle against COVID-19, but experts are worried some Americans are easing up on restrictions too early.
A report by CNN Health reveals that experts fear this is a critical time. There are looming dangers and rising cases of a dangerous variant, which are threatening to wipe out the progress the country has made thus far.
Despite the fact that cases of a dangerous variant are on the rise, this month at least a dozen state leaders have eased COVID-19 restrictions, citing the increase in vaccination numbers as well as “improving COVID-19 trends.”
Added to that is the increase in air travel, which is reaching “pandemic-era records.” CNN noted that the Transportation Security Administration reported screening “more than 1.3 million people at airports Sunday -- meaning about 5.2 million travelers flew since Thursday,” marking the highest number to have flown during any four-day period since the pandemic began.
The report said Florida and other sunny regions are seeing the first spring break crowds, with some Miami Beach officials reporting packed shores, “swelling crowds and precautions going out the window.”
It’s a combination of all these factors.
Officials fear that the combination of all these factors could set the stage “for another spike.”
CNN cited Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky, who said Monday: “We have seen footage of people enjoying spring break festivities, maskless.” She added, “This is all in the context of still 50,000 cases per day.”
Is another surge inevitable?
CNN cited emergency physician Dr. Leana Wen, who told them on Monday: “We could go in either direction.” She added, “What happens now is really up to us and whether we keep up masking and avoiding indoor gatherings as we should be until the point that we’re vaccinated.”
A dangerous variant is expected to be dominant soon.
Practicing safety measures is especially crucial in light of the fact that multiple virus variants are currently circulating. This includes the highly contagious variant first detected in the U.K. Walensky said Monday about the new variant, it “is projected to become the dominant variant in the U.S. by the end of this month or early April,” CNN cited. The report noted that CDC data indicates it has been found, so far, in 48 states, Puerto Rico and Washington, DC.
CNN cited Dr. Richard Besser, the former acting CDC Director, who told them on Monday: “The way the variants spread is by letting our guard down,” he added, “By not wearing masks, by not social distancing.”
Besser continued, “If we can hang in there for a few more months, there will be enough vaccine for every adult in America to be vaccinated.”
“Then we can truly let go of some of the restrictions that are in place. But if we do this too quickly, we could see an increase in cases, we could see a backslide that is occurring in many European countries and that does not have to be the outcome here in America,” he added.
The variant is associated with a higher risk of death, research suggests.
Research published last week suggested that “the variant was associated with an estimated 64% higher risk of dying” from COVID-19, CNN said.
Coming in at a bit lower estimate was another peer-reviewed study, a paper accepted by the journal Nature, linking the variant to a higher risk of death, but “this time, the risk of death from the variant was estimated around 55% higher than earlier strains after adjusting for a number of factors like age, sex, and where and when tests were conducted.”
However, CNN noted that a “subsequent analysis in the study that accounted for missing and potentially miscategorized test results found the overall increased risk of death may be somewhat higher -- around 61% more than earlier strains.” Vaccination was not able to be factored in the study, CNN said, nor could it show “why the variant might be more deadly than earlier strains.”
If I see people start dropping dead in the street, I’ll worry. Until then, this is more bovine excrement.
The healthcare industry has had an entire year to expand capacity.
There is no need to “slow the spread” anymore (if there ever was one).
What worries me is the antibiotic-resistant tuberculosis they are bringing in.
Amen, It’s all bullshit. Now, the other diseases these sleasebags are importing across our southern border is another matter.
New game, people!
Every time you hear or read the phrase ‘concerning variant,’ take a drink.
Shrug. Trump just said that the vaccines he helped get out saved another 1917 spanish flu, 50-100 million deaths.
Thanks to EVERY poster. BTTT
Gotta keep the fear narrative going based on hypotheticals.
There’s some solid science for you.
Media coverage is atrocious.
At it’s best it’s only useless!
This is nonsense and gobblydegook.
This true and Chaya’s disease for which their really isn’t any treatment.
BKMK
#1 and a very, very interesting homepage. Thanks, lightman
Just read where Leavenworth, WA — picturesque Bavarian-style town — cancelled this coming Octoberfest. Ridiculous. Liberals will be cowering in fear the rest of their lives, if they have any.
Leavenworth. ...infected by lefties, obviously...so sad...it’s a very cool little town
I guess Wenatchee is interested in taking over the festival.
The good news is that Moderna has the same 95% effectiveness against the UK variant as the original.
I’m fully vaccinated, good to go, FREE to move about the world, lol
What variants are the new wave of illegal immigrants distributing?
Reportedly, those who test positive for COVID, are just being given bus tickets like all the others.
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