Disasters, wars, and pandemics should be times in which everyone works together against the common threat. We’re all in the same boat, so to speak.
Disasters, wars, and pandemics should be times in which everyone works together against the common threat. We’re all in the same boat, so to speak. Except we’re not in the same boat. Some have been able to work at home, have food delivered, and largely avoid the threat. Others—including those who made it possible for the first group to stay safe—remained exposed. The vaccines were supposed to equalize us by protecting everyone. So far, they’re proving very safe and effective, including against the known variants. That was a big concern back in January. Better yet, the latest studies show fully vaccinated people are protected not only against severe disease, but are also unlikely to infect others. So the data is encouraging. But now we’re in an awkward in-between period. If we ever were in the same boat, we’re certainly not anymore. We spent months adapting to an environment where everyone was a potential virus vector. Measures like masks and social distancing were the best response we had. Now we have a sizable and growing number for whom these precautions are no longer as necessary. They naturally want to be freed from the burden. Meanwhile, others who aren’t yet fully vaccinated want the same.
