I like Joe Biden and I agree with him on most issues. But he can be fast and loose with his comments at times, especially for a U.S. President. On 60 Minutes this week, he declared that "The Pandemic is Over," as evidenced by the fact that few people are wearing masks (what else is new?).. This from a highly protected, fully vaccinated, elderly man who just had Covid himself a month or so ago.
In reality, the pandemic has clearly abated but we are just now entering the season when many respiratory viruses (including influenza and Covid) become more prevalent due to increased indoor activity. A significant percentage of Americans remain unvaccinated and their inattention to masking and social distancing is almost certain to ignite another Covid wave, perhaps with a more virulent strain. Of course, despite Biden's declaration, hundreds of Americans continue to die from Covid each day (and the numbers have been rising slowly since May).
Yes, Covid may eventually be approached like influenza, including recommendations for an annual autumn vaccination. But the evidence is not yet in and, for those at high risk due to age or underlying disease, a change in behavior is especially unwise. Just as polio is coming back due to inadequate vaccination in our population, Covid could explode once again. Furthermore, as with influenza, vaccination does not offer complete protection from the infection itself (a fact that Biden must surely understand).
