One expert worries that people might be getting numb to the COVID-19 numbers as states look to open up again amid the coronavirus pandemic.
What’s going on?
Richard Besser, who served as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention under former President Barack Obama, recently told CNBC that people aren’t paying attention to COVID-19 case numbers — especially as states open up.
- “In Texas, where they removed the mask mandate, fewer than 10% of people have been vaccinated and the levels are higher than the levels were last summer when they put the mandates on in the first place,” Besser said. “I worry we’re getting a little numb to these numbers, and we’re not remembering that each day in America more than 2,000 people are still dying from COVID.”
Context
Indeed, Texas and Mississippi governors said they would lift their mask mandates, which I wrote about for the Deseret News.
Similarly, Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont said businesses in the state can open to 100% capacity beginning in mid-March.
Experts are worried
Dr. Rochelle Walensky, director of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said that she doesn’t agree with the idea of states opening up yet, according to CNN.
- “I am really worried about reports that more states are rolling back the exact public health measures we have recommended to protect people from COVID-19,” she said.
- “Please stay strong in your conviction. Continue wearing your well-fitting mask and taking the other public health prevention actions that we know work,” Walensky said.