The Variant of Concern
As the year transitioned into the months of April and May, many saw hope as the vaccine
against COVID-19 became more widespread and accessible to the general public. These hopes
and high spirits continued as more and more people got vaccinated, and as mask mandates and
COVID protocols began to dwindle throughout some states. Things finally began looking up as
restrictions lessened and the world seemed to return to somewhat normal. However, a recent
variant strand of COVID, alongside some hesitant beliefs against the vaccine, begins to cause a
rise in concern having to do with the return of COVID. Not only have the cases of COVID
begun to rise again in the United States, a new more contagious- strand has made its appearance
throughout the world. The Delta Variant of COVID first made its appearance in India, but has
now spread to over 80 countries and is also the most common form of COVID affecting people
daily in places such as the U.S and the UK. In fact, it is reported that the Delta variant is
responsible for 83% of infections of people in the United States. Unfortunately, the new variant
and refusal of the vaccine has made many wonders how long this blissful period of “normalcy”
will last before we return to the downward spiral of COVID.
As mentioned previously, the new Delta variant accounts for most new infections of
COVID within the United States. It’s easy to see why considering that 43% of the population still
isn’t vaccinated, yet 39 states have lifted mask mandates for everyone; even the unvaccinated.
While the vaccine doesn’t protect you from catching COVID or the new Delta variant, it
eliminates the severe illnesses and death caused by COVID and protects you from spreading it to
those who aren’t vaccinated. Even though the United States has the highest dosage of vaccines
that are ready to be supplied to the general public, it has seen the highest rates of rejection from
people - aside from Russia. The rejection of the vaccine proposes an issue as social gatherings
begin to reoccur, creating the problem of COVID being transferred to those who aren’t
vaccinated and therefore another rise in cases. The month of July saw a rate of 51,000 cases
daily, which is four times more than that in June. There is only so much that can be done to help
lower cases, and sadly the widespread refusal of the vaccine doesn’t make things any easier.
As a society, educating and encouraging others to get the vaccine is of utmost importance
as of our current circumstances. By being aware and spreading the news of the Delta variant, its
high rates of contagiousness, and severe side effects, we can help to slow the spread of COVID
once again. Along with encouraging others to take the vaccine, encourage those who aren’t
vaccinated and those who find themselves in crowded social spaces to continue wearing their
masks in public. We need to help slow the spread of the Delta variant before it gets too out of
hand; considering we know what happens if it does. So please, before we may be forced to return
to our mask-wearing, quarantine days, help encourage friends and family who haven’t got the
vaccine to do so. And remember; the vaccine isn’t only to protect you, but to be courteous and
wary of those you surround yourself with.
Sources:
Mask tracker: Does your state still require face masks? (nbcnews.com)
Covid delta variant: Symptoms, spread, and what to look out for (cnbc.com)
5 Things To Know About the Delta Variant > News > Yale Medicine
The Delta Variant Is the Symptom of a Bigger Threat: Vaccine Refusal - The New York Times
(nytimes.com)
US COVID-19 Vaccine Progress Tracker | Vaccinations by State | USAFacts