Lifting of COVID-19 mandates is being done prematurely. It is exciting that the average number of COVID-19 cases have been steadily dropping since the distribution of the vaccines. However, simultaneously allowing non-socially distanced large gatherings and the opening of businesses to max capacity could be dangerous.
We have made this mistake before. In September 2020, Utah was experiencing a flattening of the COVID-19 curve. However, after restrictions started lifting, cases continually started to climb. On Sept. 11, 2020, Utah had a seven-day average of 407 cases, which jumped to 1,015 cases by Sept. 30, reaching a peak of a 3,500 7-day case average in January.
Everyone is sick of COVID-19, but we need to remember that although cases are dropping, the seven-day average from March 3 is still roughly 200 cases more than it was back in September. The cost that prematurely lifting social distancing guidelines will have on the state far outweigh the benefits of removing those guidelines.
Utahns first need to show they are willing to save the economy by receiving the vaccine before officials lift the socially distanced mandates. Widespread vaccine distribution means nothing if people refuse to be vaccinated.
McKayla Jones
South Salt Lake