On January 2020, the world encountered it’s most dangerous enemy. This enemy was not a terrorist group like Al-Qaeda. This enemy was not some rogue nation that would like nothing more than to set off a nuclear war. This enemy was the invisible enemy. This enemy was the silent enemy. This enemy is still the enemy of the world. This enemy continues to haunt the normality of daily living of citizens spread across 172 countries. This enemy is the SARS-CoV-2, better known as the Covid-19 disease. And while all people know this common enemy and the threat it has imposed on a global population of nearly 8 billion people, a global effort in social distancing, PPE wearing, lockdowns, and vaccination efforts have eased the minds of a nervous population. It seems that a return to normalcy is near as economies are recovering and unemployment rates are dropping. But what a complacent population fails to realize is that the threat has not disappeared. The threat and the risk still looms in the darkness, hiding within fool-hardy hosts that provide an excellent breeding ground for this invisible killer. Governments are easing off on mask mandates and social distance and gathering limits. And as we rejoice in what we think of as defeating the coronavirus, we forget it’s angrier, more transmissible, and more lethal cousin has arrived to instill vengeance on an unprepared crowd.
The Covid-19 variant that has caused a resurgence in confirmed cases and deaths, the Delta variant or B1617.2, has travelled from India to more than 73 countries, including the United States. As of now, 49 out of 50 states have confirmed reports of Delta variant infecting people. The Delta variant (which is the stronger and more resistant variant of the Alpha and Gamma variants) is 49% to 90% more transmissible than its predecessors. It is also more lethal and causes more long-term effects than the other variants. Vaccination efforts helped to subside the Alpha and Gamma Covid-19 variants, providing immunity from 73% to 93% from future infections and symptoms. But the Delta variant has bypassed those protections and has dealt a severe blow to the already vaccinated. Unfortunately, whether one is vaccinated or not, the Delta variant will infect you. An just to provide a little more useful information, the Delta variant has been more successful in infecting and damaging the health of the elderly, young children, and women.
In conclusion, every one of us should decide for ourselves what protective measures we should take. I suggest do not follow blindly the suggestions of taking off masks because the CDC recommends it. I suggest not to gather in crowded places just because you think everyone has been vaccinated. Remember, the Delta variant can infect the fully vaccinated. These are guidelines that the CDC and your local governments post; these were made for you to take into consideration and develop your own plan of action. Consider all the variable and make your choice, one that is right for you and your loved ones. Not to mention, think about the safety of those around you. Respect their right to live and live healthy. Do not foolishly put them in danger, but treat them as you would like to be treated. The threat is still out there and do not be alarmed if this Delta variant will cause another wave of cases starting in late summer, when students go back to school. Always be vigilant and always be prepared.
If you would like more news and statistics about the Covid-19 pandemic, feel free to visit the CDC website at www.cdc.gov, the World Health Organization at www.who.int, your local health district office, or subscribe to our newsletters at Stay Alert Stay Alive, LLC.