American Coronavirus: “Let’s get into the monster’s mouth,” loosening restrictions, says expert

“Right now, this one (variant of the UK) is about to take off from the United States,” Osterholm told CNN’s Jake Tapper. “Several states have seen it go from 1 or 2% of the viruses identified, now going from 20 to 30%.”

This week, Texas and Mississippi joined the list of states to remove mandates for citizens to wear masks and expand capacity for businesses.

According to a new survey, with the stability of vaccination for most U.S. adults in the summer, support for virus protection measures is declining.

Although less than a third of people said there should be fewer measures, support for additional restrictions has declined since November, according to new research from the Pew Research Center.

But health experts say the path to herd immunity still has a long way to go, and masks and other restrictions are still crucial to managing the pandemic.

A new CDC study shows “that masks work,” CDC director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said during a White House Covid-19 briefing on Friday.

“You have decreases in cases and deaths when you wear masks and increases in cases and deaths when you have a restaurant in person, so we would advocate policies, no doubt while we are on this plateau of cases – that they would hear this public health science,” he said. dir Walensky.

States limit restrictions

As the United States approaches widespread vaccines, many states change their policies around Covid-19 restrictions.

In Maine, Gov. Janet Mills said Friday the state would continue to need masks, but announced a new framework to slowly reopen the state. On March 26, capacity for indoor meetings in the state will increase by up to 50% and outdoor by up to 75%.

And in West Virginia, starting Saturday, some businesses, including restaurants, bars, gyms and museums, may open with a total capacity of 100%, but social distancing will still be needed, Gov. Jim Justice said Friday.

In Texas, any business will be able to open 100% starting March 10 and the order has been withdrawn for residents to wear masks.

Not all state leaders are comfortable with the changes.

“I’m deeply concerned about states lifting the mask mandate because what you’re doing is sending a signal that’s no longer important, and that’s not true. In fact, it’s as important as ever,” the Carolina governor said. of the North Said Roy Cooper.

“I would encourage my fellow government officials and local officials who make decisions in some states to maintain the mandate of the mask, to set good examples, and to continue to do responsible things.”

The mayor of Detroit declines the allocation of vaccines against Johnson & Johnson

Many experts have celebrated the authorization of the third coronavirus vaccine: that of Johnson & Johnson, which is a single dose and is stored at more convenient temperatures for transport and storage.

But there have been some setbacks.

Duggan rejected the shipment because the city is unable to meet current demand with its supply of Pfizer / BioNTech and Moderna vaccines, even when its administration extended vaccine eligibility Thursday to residents 50 and older. with chronic medical conditions.

All three vaccines are highly effective in preventing serious Covid-19 diseases and health officials have urged people to take any vaccine against Covid-19 that is offered to them.

“The day may come in March or April when every Modern and Pfizer is committed and we still have people who need a vaccine. And right now we’re going to create a Johnson & Johnson center. I don’t see it in the next couple of weeks. Duggan said.

CDC guidance for vaccinated

The CDC guidelines for vaccinated people will soon arrive, Walensky said. The guidance was expected to be released this week.

“Our goal and most importantly is that vaccinated people and those who are not yet vaccinated can understand the steps they can take to protect themselves and their loved ones,” he said.

More than 82 million doses of vaccine have been given in the United States, and after a year of upside down, many want to know what the future holds.

“I think people need practical advice on how to make their daily lives,” said Julia Marcus, a Harvard infectious disease epidemiologist. “I think without guidance, people can make decisions that are uninformed.”

While the guidelines will not give permission for the vaccine to live again as in 2019, according to a Biden administration official, the guidelines offer some hope that the end of total social isolation is approaching.