In some manner, we all have adapted to the horror that surrounds us. But, adaptation is not neutral. It is either positive and promotes survival or negative and increases risk.
Since March, over 290,000 Americans have died from COVID-19. Currently, the number is increasing by about 3,000 souls a day. The latest 7-day average for new infections has grown by 26% while the weekly average for deaths has gone up 53%. Obviously, America has not adapted well to the situation.
Early on, it was clear that combating the virus required slowing its spread. This would prevent hospitals, their staffs, and medical suppliers from being overwhelmed and from breaking our healthcare system. Called, flattening the curve, it meant that, overall, the total number of people that would get sick would remain the same, but over a longer period. This would allow hospitals to provide quality care for COVID patients, remain available for all other medical needs, and provide staff time to rest and recover from their emotionally draining work. Also, slowing the rate of infection would give researchers time to develop and implement more effective treatments which, over the length of the pandemic, would lead to fewer serious illnesses and deaths. Likewise for vaccines. The slaughter we see today, didn’t need not happen had all of us been willing to adapt to the danger.
Instead, our leaders in the federal government, along with some state and local officials, chose to ignore, minimize or lie about the situation. Many, trusting in what they were told, refused to adjust to the times and the result is a disaster. Had an initial lock-down, masks, and social distancing been adopted universally in the United States, our economy would not have taken the hit that it has. In addition, had the COVID aid money been directed at individuals and Main Street rather than the big business and the wealthy, all levels of our society would have been more secure and willing to follow the necessary precautions to keep the infection rate low.
This did not happen. Instead, a segment of the American public has adapted to this crisis by developing a belligerent attitude towards the common sense practices needed to get the pandemic under control. They complain about emergency restrictions while behaving in a way that ensures that the virus will continue to spread, requiring the restrictions to continue longer.
Vaccines are on their way. Will they rescue us from this catastrophe? Can we return to “normal” soon?
No. There are several reasons why. There are 330,000,000 Americans. For the vaccines to be effective, a large portion of the public will need to be immunized. It will take a complex logistical effort and time to manufacture, distribute and administer the medication. Under the best of circumstances, it will take until at least early autumn before enough people will received immunization. Other estimates, go into 2022.
The best case scenario depends on several things happening. First, that are no glitches in the manufacture of the vaccines and that no unforeseen dangers are detected. Second, that Americans will accept these vaccines and willing get them. I think a sizable number will, but there is also a minority that won’t because of political or philosophical reasons. They will continue to be a virus reservoir that will slow down getting back in balance. Third, and this is the most important, Americans embrace safety measures by wearing masks, social distancing, and avoid gatherings for the next couple of months. If this isn’t done, the virus will continue to remain at high rates much longer that it would if precautions are taken. Of course, the longer this self-inflicted disaster continues, the more belligerent and impatient some folks will be and their actions will extend the time of illness and death even further.
But, the charcoal drawing by my friend Virgil, is reassuring. Even with darkness all around, the glow of creativity reminds us that we are much more than we think we are. All of us can, if we choose, can take our lumps of charcoal transform our lives into art. We begin with protecting ourselves and others by wearing masks, social distancing, and following public health instructions. In so doing, we create the art of a once again vibrant society.
Thanks to Virgil for allowing me to share his figure study. He reserves all rights for its use.