Let's Face It
Dear Leading Ladies,
The Olympics usually provide great entertainment, inspiration, and the kind of wow factor we all need these days. And while the appearance of Simone Biles and other luminaries may raise our spirits, we are confronted daily with the spectre of more and more athletes dropping out because of positive COVID tests. Instead of providing inspiration, the Olympics are bringing us face to face, yet again, with the dire reality that the pandemic is far from over.
We also see that some people who have the power to make decisions that might mitigate the spread have decided to take a pass. For example,
The United States Olympic Committee – and parallel groups from other countries – did not require athletes to be vaccinated before traveling to Japan for the games. As a result, 100 of the 613 American athletes are not vaccinated. As of last Friday, at least 17 athletes, three of them American, tested positive for the virus. That doesn’t include several coaches and others associated with the games.
Governor Baker has said he will not issue a return to a mask requirement in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, even though the numbers of documented cases of the Delta variant of COVID among vaccinated people is rising.
Even city officials in Cambridge and Nantucket are urging – not requiring – residents to wear masks indoors in response to the recent surge in COVID-19 due to the Delta variant.
COVID-19 Delta variant. CornellWeill.org
So where does this leave us?
With the responsibility to make informed decisions for ourselves. So, as we all go about the business of deciding what we will and won’t do to stay safe and keep those around us safe, here are some facts to keep in mind.
The Delta Variant of COVID-19 accounts for more than 83 percent of new infections in the United States, though the vast majority of the infected people who are vaccinated are experiencing mild symptoms. Researchers don’t yet know exactly how protected vaccinated people actually are from becoming infected, however mildly. (NY Times)
To put the recent infection rates in perspective, of 4.3 million people vaccinated in Massachusetts, there were 5,166 COVID-19 cases as of July 17. Only 80 of those infected died. (Boston Globe)
Nonetheless, though vaccinated people are, for the most part, getting mild cases of the Delta variant, they can transmit the virus, not only to the unvaccinated, but to children who are not yet eligible for vaccinations and to immuno-compromised adults, thus fueling the surge. (NY Times)
Some of the recent surge is attributed to careless socializing over the July 4th weekend, as well as a general weakening of personal protection practices since summer’s beginning. (Boston Globe)
The surge is expected to continue, and be strongest in areas such as Florida, Texas, and Missouri, but New England states will not be entirely spared. And, while vaccination rates may be high in New England, they are not in many other states and countries where New Englanders may want to visit or where people may come from to visit.
Currently, 56% of those over 12 and eligible are vaccinated in the US (abcnews.com); between 70% and 90% need to be vaccinated to reach herd immunity. (American Lung Association)
Among unvaccinated Americans, 35% say they probably will not, and 45% say they definitely will not ever get vaccinated, according to a poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.
Thus, most of those who are opposed to being vaccinated are evidently intractable, secure in their positions and bolstered by mistrust and misinformation, though they may be most receptive to the argument that their behavior harms people they love such as grandparents and children. (The Atlantic)
Recent efforts in immigrant communities show that outreach from people they trust can be effective in coaxing reluctant residents to get vaccinated. (Boston Globe)
Nonetheless, these statistics mean that those of us who are vaccinated will always be in contact with unvaccinated people in stores, restaurants, and other indoor public spaces. Herd immunity is not a reasonable expectation. (NY Times)
The medical experts maintain that the more the virus spreads, the more variants – and ever stronger variants – will develop. Stemming the spread remains the best weapon and surest route back to normalcy. Vaccines and personal protection are the means to stop the spread. (Multiple sources)
As we face various alternatives, we are reminded of the advice we offer our teenage children when they start going out with their peers and without adult supervision. “Make good choices,” we admonish. Or, “Be safe.” Or, sometimes, “Think for yourself. If everybody jumped off a roof, would you?”
It’s time to give that advice to ourselves and our loved ones. The choices can be difficult. Do we attend a family wedding when we don’t know if everyone has been vaccinated? Do we go to a restaurant that has outdoor dining, knowing the weather report is for rain and we might have to decamp to seats inside? Do we hug the friend we haven’t seen in months who’s come from Florida for a visit to New England? Are we okay being the only masked person in line at Starbucks?
We’d like to update you on our efforts to inform people who are eligible for the Child Tax Credit payments that are part of President Biden’s American Rescue Program. We have distributed electronic and hard copy flyers in Spanish, English, and Portuguese to HAWC, RAW Art Works, The REAL Program and Beverly Bootstraps. HAWC is further distributing them to other social service organizations. On August 9, we are meeting with parents of students in REAL to review their eligibility for payments. The organizations have been very appreciative of our support.
Let’s make optimism, love, and hope win.
Therese
Judy
Mary
Beth
Leading Ladies Executive Team
ladies@leadingladiesvote.org
leadingladiesvote.org