“…Even with the Delta variant, the pandemic is essentially over. The virus that causes COVID-19 will be a fellow traveler with humans for the foreseeable future, just like influenza. Israel, which had one of the most effective vaccine rollouts and has comprehensive patient histories due to a nationalized system, started experiencing the Delta variant earlier than the United States did. As of the end of June, 50% of new positive tests were individuals who were fully vaccinated. It is unclear what Frum means, given this data and similar information from the United Kingdom.
The vaccines appear to remain effective at limiting the severity of illness from COVID-19, but they are not stopping it from circulating. Even commentator Scott Adams, one of the most pro-vaccine Trump supporters online, is asking whether the injections are therapeutic, similar to the flu shot, or a vaccine like the ones for chickenpox and the measles, which provide sterilizing immunity. This is a legitimate question and should be one that our public health experts discuss.
According to CDC tracking, the lowest vaccination rates are in the African American community. Hardly a massive reservoir of Trump supporters. It is not even close, and they are not listening to Republicans:
African Americans make up the second-largest percentage of new cases. Oddly, American Indian and Alaska Native populations make up the most significant percentage of new cases, despite having the highest vaccination rates.
…there is also no significant difference in new case rates between non-urban areas where Republicans win and metropolitan areas:
Republicans should really have more confidence in their voters. Even MIT noted that vaccination hesitancy is based on knowledge, research, and data, whether on the political right or the political left. We are also the party of personal responsibility and like to make informed decisions. Orders, edicts, and threats are not going to work. Persuasion and honest answers to legitimate questions might…”
