There are two pieces of potentially very good news that just came out, based on real-world studies of people who have been vaccinated against Covid-19. Mind you, these are preliminary results, and more research needs to be done before we declare victory, but at least these give me hope.
The first article points out that even though cases are rising again, they fell dramatically among groups that have already been vaccinated (in particular, first responders and seniors). One big caution is that we don’t really know what will happen with the new variants. That’s why it is extremely important that we continue to wear masks and socially distance. The spread of Covid among as-yet unvaccinated populations will not only spread the existing new variants (some of which are much less responsive to the current vaccines), but will continue to create new variants. We need to stop this cycle in its tracks!
The second article could be extremely good news, if it bears scrutiny. New CDC data suggests that people who have been vaccinated do not carry the virus, and thus can’t spread it to other people. Of course, no vaccine is 100% effective, but current estimates are that both the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines are around 90%. That means that if you get together with a group of people who have been vaccinated, your chances of being in contact with someone with Covid goes down an order of magnitude. And if you are vaccinated too, it goes down another order of magnitude.
Again, more research will be required to confirm that this is true, but for now it is giving me hope. Let’s use the good news to continue to be very careful, hopefully just for a little bit longer.
12 Comments
I categorically reject that the end of remote work is a good thing.
Anything other than “people can come into the workplace when they need to and unfortunately some roles need to all the time” is just more bullshit being piled on workers.
Sam, I am encouraged that many companies are figuring out that it makes sense for people to live wherever they want and work remotely. I expect that many companies will continue that after the pandemic is over.
I have often worked remotely (even before the pandemic). The technology is there to make location irrelevant.
We had a programmer for Adobe living in a small town in Iowa 10 years ago
Good news indeed!
Unfortunately, my line of work does not allow me to work remotely, and that’s fine for me.
I did manage to get my 1st dose of Moderna, and will have the 2nd 2weeks before Mother’s Day!
I’m looking forward to taking my 94yo mom out from her Sr living center and getting her as many hugs as I can find vaccinated family members. She had her 2 doses already. She hasn’t been outside the place in over a year now. While phone calls are good, there’s nothing like a hug!
I’m 77 and my husband is 84 and earlier today we went to our first restaurant meal in over a year. Followed by an extremely annoying visit to the local DMV. But getting out felt so odd and sort of guilty. I’m even thinking of going to a movie soon. Gasp! Not sure I’m quite ready, but maybe. I’m sure your mom will be thrilled to see any and all of you. Just a ride to see the spring blooms might be something she would enjoy. Like I said, for us, it felt odd and a bit uncomfortable, so she might have a similar reaction. But it passed pretty quickly for us, but then we have been out in the car all along, just not out of the car. Let us know how it goes.
Just got my J&J vaccine today. Arm’s a bit sore and I feel a little more tired than I normally would at this time of night. But, all in all, no issues.
For the commenter in #5, I think you used my handle by accident, but it’s a great comment none the less.
I was wondering about that. Especially the part about your husband. I thought maybe it was an April Fools joke.
Good folks and good conversation! I am a wee bit younger at the age of 60, and my young wife is 56. I am the youngest son of my 94yo mother having been adopted at 2 1/2. I am so very grateful to my family for allowing me to find my way and their encouragement along my journey. I’m sure my path presented numerous moments of consternation, but in the end brought them solace that the message was taken to heart and put into practice.
I’ve particularly enjoyed our communications over the years IK. As you have challenged my thinking and possibly my thoughts has challenged your your perception.
I’ve learned in my life and experiences that there is always more then one answer to challenging and complex issues.
Thanks!
PSGT
Patriot, I’m guilty number 5. Had a brain fart. That seems to happen often lately. Spent the last two days trying to get an Illinois driver’s license. So haven’t been online much to correct the error of my ways.
PatriotSgt and Wildwood. I fixed that.
PatriotSgt, your thoughts have definitely challenged (and changed) my perception. I know I challenge you too. Thanks for being an active reader! No wonder Wildwood wanted to appropriate your name for a comment! 🙂
To IK, Wildwood and numerous others over the years, thanks!
Now if can only get our elected leaders to try the same…
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