Will this pandemic ever end? Here's what happened with the last ones

[TexasTowelie]

This started as a story about what happens after a pandemic ends.

I pitched my editor on the idea in early May. Every adult in America could get a vaccine. COVID numbers started to fall. If the Roaring '20s came after the Spanish flu a century ago, did that mean we were on track for another Roaring '20s now? Would "Hot Vax Summer" give way to Decadent Gatsby Party Autumn?

I started to dig in. A number of compelling parallels emerged: America 100 years ago had staggering income inequality. A booming stock market. Racial uprisings. Anti-immigrant sentiment. A one-term president plagued by scandals after he left office. Plenty of material for a story.

Then the pandemic didn't end.

Vaccinations stalled. The Delta variant fueled new waves of infections, hospitalizations and deaths. By September, some states had more hospitalized COVID patients than they did during the winter surge. The economic outlook for this decade has gone from "champagne-soaked" to "room temperature." In late November, the World Health Organization announced a new "variant of concern": Omicron, which is currently on the cusp of pummeling California.

Read more: https://www.duluthnewstribune.com/newsmd/health-news/7335376-Will-this-pandemic-ever-end-Heres-what-happened-with-the-last-ones

[jimfields33]

1. I honestly hope in 2120, the country has a more responsible populous

Only half right now are totally responsible. Needed to be way higher then that.

[70sEraVet]

2. In my county, we currently have a vax rate of 42%.

Half of the COUNTRY may be resonsible, but in my COUNTY its only 42%!

[lark]

5. That is really horrid!

Stay safe!

[dsc]

6. that is where mine is at as well

[Chainfire]

7. My County is 54% but neighboring counties are 33%, 34% and 39%.

Public mask-wearing probably runs about the same, or less. This here is Trump country!

[cadoman]

8. but does that even factor in the need for boosters?

The scary thing is that a lot of people were misled by misinformation into thinking they'd only need one or two shots.

At this point, a huge percent of people who thought they were vaccinated are now completely unprotected.

You could have 54% in your county a month ago, but if 100% of those 54% don't get their boosters you could easily go down to 0%!

We have the Herculean task of now informing many that they are in fact unvaccinated even though they got the vaccine.

This is going to be a huge problem until vaccinations are like driving tags. You need to publicly display your current status at all times. If you are not up-to-date you are pulled over and arrested. This is the only way forward.

Look to Australia and New Zealand for guidance and inspiration out of this pandemic. Jacinda

[RainCaster]

3. I can't wait another 100 years

If the mid term election does not turn out good for Dems, I'm leaving for the southern hemisphere.

[leftstreet]

4. I hope it has a more responsible government

I hope the public infrastructure exists to respond with monthly stimulus checks, guaranteed healthcare, paid leave, free masks and testing, etc.

[Hekate]

9. KnR