US coronavirus: “We go into the mouth of the monster” by loosening restrictions, says expert

“Right now, (the UK version) is about to take off from the United States,” Osterholm told Jake Tapper on CNN. “A number of states have seen that they go from 1 or 2% of the identified viruses, so far over 20-30%.”

This week, Texas and Mississippi joined the list of states to eliminate mandates for citizens to wear masks and expand capacity for companies.

With vaccine eligibility opening for most American adults by the summer, support for virus protection measures is declining, according to a new survey.

Although less than a third of people said there should be fewer measures, support for additional restrictions has fallen since November, according to new research from the Pew Research Center.

But health experts say the road to herd immunity still has a long way to go, and masks and other restrictions are still crucial to managing the pandemic.

A new CDC study shows “that masks work,” CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said at a briefing at the Covid-19 White House on Friday.

“You have decreases in cases and deaths when you wear masks and you have increases in cases and deaths when you dine in the restaurant, and so we will advocate for policies – certainly while we are on this plateau with a large number of cases – that would listen that public health science, “Walensky said.

States apply relaxation restrictions

As the United States approaches large-scale vaccinations, many states are changing their policies around Covid-19 restrictions.

In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills said Friday that the state will continue to require masks, but announced a new framework to slowly reopen the state. By March 26, the capacity for indoor meetings in the state will increase to 50%, and outdoors will increase to 75%.

And in West Virginia, as of Saturday, some companies, including restaurants, bars, gyms and museums, may be opened at 100 percent capacity, but social distance will be needed, Gov. Jim Justice said Friday.

In Texas, any business will be able to open 100% starting March 10, and the order for residents to wear masks has been lifted.

Not all state leaders are comfortable with the changes.

“I am deeply concerned about states lifting the mask mandate, because what you are doing is sending a signal that it is no longer important and that it is not true. In fact, it is as important as ever,” the North Carolina governor said. Roy Cooper said.

“I would encourage my fellow governors and local officials who make decisions in some states to keep their masks, to set good examples, and to continue to do responsible things.”

The mayor of Detroit refuses to allocate the Johnson & Johnson vaccine

Many experts celebrated the authorization of the third coronavirus vaccine: Johnson & Johnson’s, which is a single shot and is stored at more convenient temperatures for transport and storage.

But there was some push.

Duggan declined transportation because the city is able to meet current demand by providing Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna vaccines – even though his administration extended the vaccine’s eligibility Thursday to residents over the age of 50 with chronic medical conditions.

All three vaccines are extremely effective in preventing serious Covid-19 diseases, and health officials have urged people to take any Covid-19 vaccine they are offered.

“It is possible that the day will come in March or April when each Moderna and Pfizer are hired and we still have people who need a vaccine. And at that time we will set up a Johnson & Johnson center. I don’t see that in the next two weeks, “Duggan said.

CDC guidelines for vaccinated individuals

CDC guidelines for people who have been vaccinated are coming soon, Walensky said. The guide was expected to appear this week.

“Our goal and most importantly is for people who have been vaccinated and those who have not yet been vaccinated to understand the steps they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones,” she said.

More than 82 million doses of the vaccine have been given in the United States, and after a year of overthrow, many want to know what the future holds.

“I think people need practical advice on how to live their daily lives,” said Julia Marcus, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Harvard. “I think without guidance, people can make decisions that are not informed.”

While the guidelines will not give vaccinated permission to start living again as in 2019, according to a Biden administration official, the guidelines offer some hope that the end of total social isolation is near.