Since the first coronavirus outbreak in Wuhan, China, our world is steadily approaching two years of the pandemic. It has been a long journey, and when vaccinations were made available, millions of people rushed to go back to normal.
Though, it wasn’t as easy as we thought it would be.
After receiving vaccinations, several mutations appeared that could potentially preclude the vaccines from having its full effect. In fact, breakthrough infections - cases observed by those with full immunization shots - became common globally. Most notably, while the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) repealed its year-long recommendation of enforcing masks, just weeks later, they again suggested that indoor masking in schools should be made “regardless of vaccination status.” Israel, too, is set to reintroduce their restrictions, even though it was one of the first countries to lift mask mandates with a large proportion of their nation vaccinated.
And many blame the infamous Delta Variant for putting all of us in danger - again.
The B.1.617.2.1 variant, otherwise known as the Delta Variant, is known to be about 185% more contagious and 203% more deadly. This variant is what caused the pandemic to be more contagious than common cold, seasonal flu, and MERS-CoV. This variant is what caused record-high new daily COVID-cases in Florida - for the third time of the week. This variant is what caused a phenomenal spike of breakthrough infections among the vaccinations. Ultimately, this variant is what caused fears among scientists that perhaps an end to the pandemic is further than they have anticipated to be.
So, it is reasonable, then, that the CDC again recommends that all of us should wear masks indoors. However, some states think otherwise.
Take Texas, a state with only 53% of its population protected, as an example. In an executive order by Governor Greg Abbott, local governments and state agencies can’t require vaccine mandates, “saying that protection against the virus should be a matter of personal responsibility.” This also reinforces his previous order in prohibiting mask mandates even as the novel variant is rampant throughout the state; a 209% increase just in the past two weeks.
Only one county has defied the governor’s questionable policy, and that is Dallas. Dallas Independent School District announced just days after that every member within the school - staff members, students, visitors, all included - must wear a mask on school property. No exceptions. In a statement, the district argued that “Governor Abbott’s order does not limit the district’s rights as an employer and educational institution to establish reasonable and necessary safety rules for its staff and students.” When Michael Hinojosa was asked why he was announcing the mandate, he responded that if they “can save one student, one teacher … [they] have a better chance of success” during their time at school. Houston is also about to make a similar call later this week. So far, the governor has not responded to this defiance.
While it may truly be up to so-called “personal responsibility,” in truth, vaccines are designed and made to protect you, your family, and your friends. If you miss the golden time right now, chances are, you’ll probably regret it later. Guilt was what rushed Mrs. Green when her husband was on the border line between life and death: she blames herself everyday for not being vaccinated earlier. I really hope her story is different than yours.